Image by Pavel Danilyuk
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. Over 34.2 million adults in the U.S. have diabetes. Every 1 in 5 people that has diabetes, don’t know that they have it.
There are three different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Primarily 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or slowed down if healthier lifestyle changes are made. Things like eating healthy foods, losing weight, or being active can help prevent type 2 diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin every day to live. People with type 1 are usually diagnosed at a young age but onset can happen at any age.
Some of the risk factors of diabetes depend on age, family medical history, diet, physical activity, and weight management. Over half of the women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are likely to develop type 2 diabetes by the age of 40.
It is highly recommended to get your blood sugar tested for any type of diabetes regularly.
Some common symptoms of diabetes are: feeling very tired, really thirsty, very hungry, urinating a lot (mostly at night), unexpected weight loss, and very dry skin. Please consider that just because you experience these symptoms does not mean you have diabetes. We recommend seeing a professional for a full diagnosis.
USFHP’s TRICARE Prime plan also offers benefits that support healthy living management. We’ve developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals.
The BlueStar app is a quick and easy way to track your meals, glucose levels, exercise, and so much more. While you are tracking everything you’ll get real-time feedback with ways to make you feel better and manage your diabetes. Visit the App Store store and download the BlueStar Diabetes app and enter code: DM4U. For more information about BlueStar, call 1-888-611-4794.
Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment.