Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2) - What You Should Know

What is diabetes?

Diabetes affects how your body’s cells process sugar. It affects the body’s ability to use the energy it gets from food².

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to make insulin.³ It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes usually affects people who have had high sugar levels for a long period of time. People with type 2 diabetes don’t have enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes can be different in every person. Talk with your doctor about getting tested if you experience some of the following signs:

Hunger and fatigue
Blurred vision
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Dry skin

Nausea, vomiting or stomach pains
Unexplained weight loss (type 1)
Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Who is most at risk?

People can have diabetes and not even know it. Knowing the risk factors can help prepare you and your family members. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can show signs and symptoms that appear quickly or build over time.

Type 1 Diabetes

Children
Young adults
Those with an immediate relative with type 1 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Those over age 45
Those who are overweight
Those who are inactive
Those who smoke
Those who have a family history of diabetes
Those who have high blood pressure
Those who have abnormal triglycerid or HDL cholesterol levels
Those of certain ethnicities
Those with a history of insulin resistance

Take this quiz to see if you’re at risk:

Take Quiz

Gateway Health has Diabetes Care Managers who can answer any questions you have about diabetes. You can reach them at (412) 392-1147 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. TTY users dial (711).

MEDICARE ASSURED MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION

Toll Free Numbers

Pennsylvania 1-800-685-5209

Ohio: 1-888-447-4505

North Carolina: 1-855-847-6430

TDD/TTY: 711

8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Eastern Time

7 Days a week from October 1 through March 31.

*From April 1 through September 30 our business hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
MEDICAID MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION
Toll Free Numbers

Member and Provider Services 1-800-392-1147
TDD/TTY: 711

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