Image Credit: Jacob Lund

The most common chronic health condition in the world is diabetes. Diabetes affects more than 37.3 million adults in the U.S. About 1 in 10 have diabetes, and every 1 in 5 people with diabetes doesn’t know that they have it.

Here are some tips on what you can do to help one with diabetes: 

Learn about diabetes. There are many myths and misconceptions about diabetes; therefore, it's important to know where to get correct information and support. Understand when it is important to check one's blood sugar and recognize/handle highs and lows.

Be supportive. Diabetes is a lifelong journey, and it's not easy. It's important to emphasize how proud you are of their progress and encourage them to continue their hard work. Family members could also follow similar healthy food and fitness plan. Not only does it benefits everyone's health, but lifestyle habit changes are easier to make when you do them together as a team.

Avoid negative criticism. A little support goes a long way. Try to avoid unwanted advice/comments and scolding. Many different factors come into play with diabetes, and even with healthy habits, blood sugar levels can still fluctuate. 

The BlueStar app is a quick and easy way to track your meals, glucose levels, exercise, etc. While you are monitoring everything you’ll get real-time feedback on ways to make you feel better and manage your diabetes. Visit the App Store store and download the BlueStar Diabetes app. For more information about BlueStar, call 1-888-611-4794.

USFHP’s TRICARE Prime plan offers benefits that support healthy living management. We’ve developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals. With our free enhanced benefits, members can choose to receive up to $250 a year in gym reimbursement.

Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment.