American Diabetes Month takes place throughout November to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Explore the different ways to get involved: by inspiring others, educating peers and giving back.
Noticing the Warning Signs
Families are urged to learn more about the warning signs of diabetes and find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Research conducted by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2018 discovered that parents would struggle to spot this serious life-long condition in their own children. Although the majority of people surveyed have a family member with diabetes, four-in-five parents indicated they would have trouble recognizing the warning signs. One-in-three wouldn’t spot them at all.
#TheDropSpotted
Join the Beyond Type 1 community by participating in #TheDropSpotted – an easy way to use your voice to help make and invisible disease visible. Together, we will fight stigma, combat misunderstanding, and ultimately change how the world views diabetes.
Tips to Consider for Your Diabetes Plan
- Manage blood glucose levels. Make sure medicines are taken as prescribed, at the right time, and the right dose—even if you feel good or have reached your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals.
- Encourage healthy habits. Follow a healthy eating plan, get enough sleep, and aim for regular physical activity. Youth with Type 1 diabetes should also check their blood glucose levels before, during, or after physical activity.
- Stay prepared for emergencies. A basic “go-kit” could include medical supplies and equipment (at least a week’s worth), emergency and health care professional contact lists, a medication list, including doses and dosing schedules, and an allergy list
- Face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes may also be added to your “go-kit” during a pandemic.
- Monitor for diabetes complications. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce risk for heart disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and other related health problems.
Manage Diabetes with Livongo
GW offers CVS Health’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo (TDC/ Livongo) as part of the pharmacy benefit included with the GW medical plans. The total condition level management program is designed to improve health outcomes and lower your pharmacy costs through highly personalized support and coaching, two comprehensive diabetes visits at MinuteClinic locations at no out-of-pocket cost (including A1C checks) and access to digital tools to reduce the complexity of daily disease management.
On average, people with diagnosed diabetes incur medical expenses that are approximately 2.3 times higher than those of non-diabetics, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and participate in a GW medical plan, you’re eligible to participate. To enroll, visit livongo.com using registration code “GW.”
