Millions of Americans are live with diabetes or prediabetes1. It is important to understand the basics, and early detection and treatment is key.
Health 101
What You Should Know About Diabetes
5 min read 27 Aug 2018
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
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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