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What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body doesn't make sufficient insulin or has a reduced response to insulin. Diabetes causes your blood sugar to be too high because insulin is needed to use sugar properly. A high blood sugar level is not good for your health. For people with Medicare at risk for getting diabetes, Medicare covers a screening blood sugar test to check for diabetes.

You are considered at risk if you have any of the following: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (history of abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels), obesity, or a history of high blood sugar. Other risk factors may also qualify you for this test and based on the results, you may be eligible for up to two screenings Diabetic testing kits contribute to diabetics health and wellness per year. Medicare also covers certain supplies and self-management training to find and treat diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious disease. It means blood glucose, which is often called blood sugar is too high. When blood glucose stays high, it can cause serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and other health problems. Learn more about how people with diabetes can manage their disease and prevent or delay its complications in the materials listed below.

Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

How many Americans have diabetes and pre-diabetes?

What is the prevalence of diabetes by type?

What is the prevalence of diabetes by gender?

What is the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes by age?

What is the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in youth?

What is the prevalence of diabetes by race/ethnicity?

How many deaths are linked to diabetes?

How much does diabetes cost the nation?

The other $58 billion covers indirect costs such as disability payments, time lost from work, and premature death.

Diabetes Is Preventable

Almost 24 million Americans have diabetes, a serious disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above normal. Most people with diabetes have type 2, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes. At one time, type 2 diabetes was more common in people over age 45. But now more young people, even children, have the disease because many are overweight or obese.

Plan to get at least 30-minutes of physical activity 5-days each week to help you lose weight. You can get this amount in small ways throughout the day. If you have not been active, talk to your doctor and start slowly to build up to your goal.

Below are some ideas to fit more physical activity into your day:

diabetes Park your car farther away from stores, movie theaters, or your office.

diabetes Use TV breaks to stretch, take a quick walk around your home, do some sit-ups, or march in place.

diabetes Get your friends and family involved. Set a standing walking date. Or do something that everyone enjoys, like shoot hoops, take a bike ride, or line dance.

diabetes Walk during your lunch break

diabetes Deliver a message to a co-worker in person instead of by e-mail. Take the stairs to your office instead of the elevator.


Start Making Healthy Food Choices

healthy food Select foods which are low in fat, have low sugar, and reduced calories to help you lose weight. Limit portion sizes.

Start today to:

diabetes Eat a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits.

diabetes Choose whole grain foods, such as whole wheat bread and crackers, oatmeal, brown rice,and cereals.

diabetes Lower fat intake by broiling or baking poultry,meats, and fish instead of frying.

diabetes Lighten your recipes by using nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, or mayonnaise. Use cooking spray instead of oil.

diabetes Avoid getting too hungry by eating a healthy snack between meals.

diabetes Do not keep chips, cookies, or candy in your home. Instead, for snacks have raw vegetables, fruit, low-fat or nonfat yogurt, or a handful of nuts, pumpkinseeds, or sunflower seeds.

diabetes Choose water to drink.

Start Your own personal health Game Plan to Prevent Diabetes

The key to losing weight and preventing diabetes is to make long-term changes which work for you each and every day.

Taking these steps is a great way to get started to lose weight help a diabetic condition.