Health Net Diabetes Resources
Take Control of Diabetes
Education, Tools and Resources for a Healthier You
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 38 million Americans have diabetes. That is approximately 1 in 10 people.1
Diabetes is expensive to treat, but with the right life choices certain types of diabetes are considered manageable and preventable.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. People with Diabetes have levels of blood glucose or blood sugar that are too high.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (pregnancy diabetes).2
Risk Factors
You're at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have prediabetes
- Are overweight
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- Certain ethnicities such as: African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, American Indian, or Alaska Native people are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.3
Signs & Symptoms
If you have any of the following diabetes symptoms, see your doctor to get your blood sugar tested:
- Urinate a lot, especially at night
- Very thirsty
- Very hungry
- Blurry vision
- Feeling very tired
- Lose weight without trying
- Very dry skin
- Sores that heal slowly
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
Get more infections than usual
Increased thirst and urination
Increased hunger
Blurred vision
Sores that don't heal
Unexplained weight loss
Increased fatigue
Complications
Long-Term Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes can cause health problems throughout the body over time. These are called complications of diabetes. They are more likely to happen if your blood sugar is often too high. They can also happen if your diabetes isn't under good control. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in your body over time. It's important to keep your blood sugar in your target range. This can help prevent or delay complications. Here are some of the complications related to diabetes:3
How to prevent complications
You can help prevent these serious complications by managing your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.4 Eat healthy foods and exercise to prevent weight gain. Stop all tobacco products if you smoke. This can help you feel better and stay healthy.
It's important to take medicine as directed by your doctor. Report any side effects as advised by your doctor. You can help control diabetes by tracking your blood sugar levels regularly as advised by your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you have trouble staying at healthy blood sugar levels.
Health Net Resources
- Diabetes
- Your Diabetes Foot care program
- Your Diabetes Took Kit
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- How to Check your Blood Sugar
- High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
- What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
- Managing Stress when you have Diabetes
- Resources for people with Diabetes
- Smoking and Diabetes
- Diabetes and Drinking Alcohol
Diabetes Food Hub
Access American Diabetes Association diabetes food hub, meal plans, budget-friendly recipes and much more! From the nutrition experts at the ADA, Diabetes Food Hub® is the premier food and cooking destination for people living with diabetes.
Video: How to use the Food Hub (duration 1:46)
For More Information about Diabetes you can visit:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes Basics
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes in California
- Krames Online: HealthSheets - D
- Food & Drug Administration: Diabetes Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Indian Health Services (IHS): Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
References
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Type 2 Diabetes
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes Basics
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diabetes Risk Factors
4 Krames Library: Long-Term Complications of Diabetes