It’s likely you know someone close to you affected by diabetes. In the United States, approximately 30 million people are living with diabetes and 84 million with prediabetes.* This time of year, communities and diabetes organizations team up to raise awareness not only in support of those living with diabetes, but also to help spread education about the disease.
*The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018)
What are the some of the symptoms of diabetes?
The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.
Common symptoms of diabetes:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss – even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Am I at risk of developing diabetes?
Acting now is the best step to take if you think you are at risk of developing diabetes. The CDC has created this quiz to see if you are at risk: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/pdf/prediabetestest.pdf.
Listen and Learn
The Understanding Diabetes podcast provides basic awareness and understanding of diabetes. Participants will learn the differences between Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes and prediabetes. Participants also will learn about the lifestyle choices that may place them at risk and steps they can take to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.
What help is available to manage diabetes?
GW offers CVS Health’s Transform Diabetes Care with Livongo (TDC/ Livongo), a total condition level management program designed to improve health outcomes and lower your pharmacy costs. 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.”
Get Moving
Whether you have a health condition or not, we can all agree that regular activity and managing weight control – a key to preventing type 2 diabetes – are small healthy steps that add up big. Print this helpful infographic to stay inspired as you put your health front and center in 2019.
