National health observances
The facts about diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 21 million people have diabetes and 7 million don't know they have it.
Don't wait for signs
It can take years before some people first become aware they have the disease. Often, they learn they have diabetes when they develop a major complication, such as kidney disease, heart attack or stroke.
Pay attention to these symptoms:
- Feeling tired
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Blurred vision
- Infections or cuts that don’t heal
What you can do
Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas stops making insulin, the hormone that processes sugar or glucose. Type 2 diabetes is when the pancreas produces too little insulin.
The main goal of diabetes treatment for both type 1 and type 2 is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as safely possible. Monitoring your daily blood sugar is an important measure of how you’re managing your diabetes. But it’s not the only one. Diabetes affects your body’s major organs, so you need several tests to see how diabetes is affecting your overall health:
- Urine test: once a year.
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c): at least twice a year.
- Blood pressure: every doctor’s visit.
- Fasting cholesterol: at least once a year.
- Dilated eye examination: once a year.
- Comprehensive foot examination: once a year.
If you smoke, quit. People with diabetes who smoke are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than nonsmokers with diabetes. Smokers with diabetes are also more likely to get nerve damage and kidney disease.
What Blue Care Network Does?
Blue Care Network covers many of the tests and supplies you need to manage your condition effectively.
BCN also offers programs to help you manage your condition. You’ll learn how nutrition, exercise and stress management can help prevent complications.
page modified 11/10/2009