Diabetes Education Resources

Diabetes is a health condition that affects your blood sugar. Blood sugar is also called glucose. This page explains diabetes in simple terms and shares tools to help you.

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What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes means your blood sugar is too high. Your body needs insulin to move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. When insulin does not work well, sugar stays in the blood. Over time, high blood sugar can harm many parts of the body.

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How Members Can Identify Diabetes

Some people do not have symptoms right away. Others may notice:

  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very hungry
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling very tired

If you have symptoms, talk with a doctor. Blood tests can help confirm diabetes.

Understanding Type 1
and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes happens when the body stops making insulin. People with type 1 need insulin every day. It often starts in children or young adults, but it can start at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot use insulin the right way. Over time, the body may not make enough insulin. Some people have no symptoms at first.

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Tests and Checkups

Doctors use blood tests to check blood sugar. One test is called an A1C test. It shows average blood sugar over time.

Doctors may also check blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, eye health, and foot health.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes and your health needs.

Type 1 diabetes treatment often includes insulin, blood sugar checks, healthy meals, and regular activity.

Type 2 diabetes treatment may include healthy meals, activity, weight loss, and medicines. Some people may need insulin.
Do not stop or change medicine without talking to your doctor.

Prevention Strategies (Type 2 Diabetes)

Small changes can help lower your risk:

  • Work toward a healthy weight
  • Be active most days
  • Eat healthy foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
  • Talk to your doctor about prediabetes

Daily Self-Care

These daily steps can help manage diabetes:

  • Take medicine as told
  • Check blood sugar if advised
  • Eat healthy portions
  • Stay active each week
  • Go to regular checkups
  • Take care of your feet and teeth

When to Get Help Right Away

Call 911 if you have trouble staying awake, confusion, fast breathing, or vomiting that will not stop. These may be signs of a medical emergency.

Call your doctor if you are sick and cannot manage blood sugar or have vomiting or diarrhea for many hours.

Care Management Support

Community Health Choice offers Care Management support for members with diabetes. This program can help answer questions and connect you to resources.

Why Choose Community?

As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our Community. From the benefits and special programs we offer to the way our Member Services team helps you make the most of them, Community is always working life forward for you and your family.

“Community Health Choice is always there to answer my questions and help me and my family with our medical needs. I truly appreciate and value their customer support and service.”

– Cecily
Member of Community Health Choice

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