Diabetes outreach

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can affect your entire body. Nearly 24 million children and adults in the U.S. are diabetic, according to the American Diabetes Association.

The good news is you can avoid problems by seeing your health care provider regularly and learning more about it. Children's Community Health Plan provides tools to help you control your diabetes.

There are two types of the disease.

• Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. It is caused when the body doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that converts sugars into energy.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common. It is caused when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or your cells ignore insulin. Some groups are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes such as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and other Pacific Islanders, and native Hawaiians. Older adults are also at risk.

Your health care team can help you learn your diabetes ABCs.

• A is for A1C test. This is a blood test that shows how well your blood sugar has been managed over the past three months. Your doctor should check your A1C at least twice a year. If your blood sugar is too high you can have problems with your heart, kidneys, feet and eyes.
• B is for blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high, your heart works too hard. This can cause a heart attack, stroke or kidney problems.
• C is for cholesterol. LDL is the "bad" cholesterol in your blood. If your LDL is high it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

When you care for your diabetes, you will have more energy, be less tired and less thirsty.

Here is a list of things that will help you stay healthy and manage your diabetes.

• See your doctor at least twice a year or more often if your doctor asks.
• You should get a flu shot each year.
• The doctor should look at your feet at each visit. He or she will check for cuts, blisters or swelling.
• Make healthy food choices. A diabetes educator or dietitian can help you plan meals.
• Be physically active every day. Walking is a great way to move more. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
• Test your blood sugar at home as often as your doctor tells you.
• Take the medicine your doctor gives you even if you feel well. Ask your doctor or nurse if you have questions about any of your medicine.
• Quit smoking. Talk to your doctor or contact the Quit Line at (800) 784-8669.
• Have a dilated (eye drops) eye exam each year.
• Have a urine (pee) protein test each year to be sure your kidneys are working well.

Children's Community Health Plan has nurses available if you have questions. Call (800) 482-8010 and ask for a nurse to help with your diabetes care plan.

To help you stay healthy, print out the "My Diabetes Plan" health card to track your diabetes care. Be sure to take this card to all your health care visits.

Download a diabetes care card - English (PDF).

Download a diabetes care card - Spanish (PDF).