National Diabetes Month: Detecting and living with diabetes
By Dr. Glen Davis, Chief Medical Officer
November is National Diabetes Month. This is a great time to learn about diabetes, how it affects your body and what you can do to stay healthy.
Diabetes happens when your body has trouble using sugar for energy. Normally, a hormone called insulin helps sugar move from your blood into your cells. If your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it well, sugar stays in your blood. This can cause problems over time.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1: Your body does not make insulin. This usually starts in childhood or teen years.
- Type 2: Your body does not use insulin well or does not make enough. This is more common in adults but can also happen in children.
If diabetes is not managed, it can lead to health problems like heart disease, kidney issues, nerve damage or vision problems. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Feeling very thirsty or hungry
- Urinating often
- Feeling very tired
- Cuts or bruises that heal slowly
- Blurry vision
If you notice these signs, it is important to see your doctor. Aetna Better Health® of Illinois offers programs and resources to help you manage diabetes:
- Care Management: Our care experts are here to help! Get help with referrals to special centers for advanced treatment. They can also guide you on:
- How to manage your diabetes
- How to watch your blood sugar
- How to take your medicine
- How to take good care of your feet
- How to eat healthier so you can feel better
Call our care management team at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY: 711) to get you on the right path.
- Support programs: Get help with medicines, medical equipment like glucose meters and other tools to stay healthy.
- Quit smoking support: Smoking can make diabetes complications worse. If you smoke, our team can help you make a plan to quit.
- Member benefits: Register for the rewards program through the Aetna Medicaid portal. Choose the option to redeem the rewards you earn. When you do, you’ll receive a gift card at the address you provided. Earn up to $50 for diabetes care. You can earn $25 each for Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) control and blood pressure control.
Managing diabetes is easier when you have help. Your care team at Aetna Better Health of Illinois is here to support you with tools, advice and guidance so you can live your healthiest life. This National Diabetes Month, take small steps every day to manage your blood sugar and protect your health!