Understand diabetes causes, prevention and care

What is diabetes and what causes it?

Diabetes is a disease that causes people to have too much sugar in their blood. This happens when people aren’t producing insulin in their bodies or their body doesn’t respond to insulin. This hormone is needed to break down sugar in the blood stream (also known as glucose). Too much glucose can be toxic, so it is a serious condition.

Being overweight, consuming an unhealthy diet, age and family history are the main risk factors for diabetes. If you had gestational diabetes, or diabetes while pregnant, you’re more at risk of getting diabetes as well.

Take a diabetes risk test

Learn the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes is a disorder where the body doesn’t produce insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes usually have symptoms starting in childhood, so you sometimes hear it called childhood diabetes or juvenile diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not respond to insulin and there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes is usually the result of unhealthy diet, obesity and/or lack of exercise.  

Type 2 diabetes was known as adult onset diabetes because it affected people later in life. It is now also affecting children. This is concerning because it’s a preventable disease.

What programs does Blue Cross have to help me?

Even though 1 in 3 adults in the United States has prediabetes,** it can still feel like you’re alone. There are programs available that give you the support you need to prevent or control diabetes. Most members 18+ have access to a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) certified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The main goal is learning healthy habits and losing 5 percent of your weight. Find a diabetes prevention class near you.

Some adult members*** have access to Omada®, an online program that can help you lose weight, feel great and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Learn how Omada works.

Blue Cross also offers case management and educational mailings for both adults and children to manage diabetes. This care management program is free for eligible members, voluntary and confidential. 

You may have other health and wellbeing programs to support your health. Log in to learn more. 

Diabetes symptoms and complications: Know the signs

There are several symptoms of diabetes. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor. Complications from diabetes are serious when left untreated.

Screenings or tests help diagnose diabetes

There are several tests to diagnose diabetes. They all measure the levels of sugar, or glucose, in the body.

• Fasting blood glucose test
• Hemoglobin A1C test
• Oral glucose tolerance test

How often you should be tested for diabetes depends on your risk factors. For people age 45 or older it’s recommended every three years. Your doctor may recommend screenings more frequently. See a list of preventive care recommendations.
 

What are the treatments for diabetes?

If making changes to your diet and exercise aren’t enough, you may need medicine. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to control your diabetes or insulin therapy.

More about diabetes and preventive care

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Dental care for diabetes
Physical exams and preventive visits
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