Diabetes Management for You
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors appear to play roles in people developing diabetes.
Types of diabetes
Prediabetes – A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes – a condition in which the body produces little or no insulin
Type 2 Diabetes – a condition in which the body does not use insulin properly. Click here for information about risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes – occurs in some pregnant women with high glucose levels during pregnancy
Managing diabetes
Managing diabetes requires lifestyle changes. The following resources are for you to help manage the disease.
If you have diabetes, you should know your ABCs:
A1c Test
Every 3 months (Ideal: less than 7)
Blood Pressure
Healthy blood pressure (Ideal: less than 120/80)
Cholesterol
Ideal: LDL less than 100, HDL greater than 40
Stop using tobacco
Stop smoking, if you are a smoker
Living with diabetes
Diabetes is a leading cause of stroke, blindness and kidney failure—but the disease can be controlled. Listen to these stories about how four individuals learned to manage their diabetes.
Essic’s Story:
Living with complications from diabetes
Sylvia’s Story (Spanish):
Living with type 2 diabetes
Laura’s Story:
A female with type 2 diabetes
Benjamin’s Story:
A juvenile with type 1 diabetes
Learn more from the American Diabetes Association.
Click here for information on prediabetes
Learn how to better manage your diabetes on your own or with help from others. The Manage Your Diabetes Guide is an excellent resource to help people with diabetes get the best care possible at the best price possible.
Emergency: Are you ready?
- How to deal with different kinds of emergencies.
- How to be prepared for emergency situations.
- Build a plan, gather supplies and know when to get help.
North Carolina Drug Card
If you are not able to afford your medication, check with your provider about programs that may be of assistance. As a resident of North Carolina, you and your family have access to a statewide Prescription Assistance Program. Click here for the coupon.
DSMES helps you control your diabetes by teaching you how to manage your blood sugar levels, control complications from diabetes and keep costs down. Click here to learn more.
Click here to locate a DSMES program near you.
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