Diabetes Management

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses glucose (sugar). People with diabetes have either a pancreas that cannot make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or a pancreas that makes insulin but the insulin does not work the way it should (type II diabetes). Because of this, the glucose or sugar from food stays in the blood and people can have “high blood sugar.” They may feel tired or low in energy because the glucose is building up in the blood instead of getting out into the cells.

What other symptoms may happen when a person first has diabetes?

Keep in mind that many people have diabetes and do not know it because they have no symptoms. This is one reason why people need to see their doctor for visits and tests. A glucose or blood sugar test can even tell you that you have pre-diabetes. This is good news because the sooner you know what is going on inside your body, the sooner you can do something about it.

You can still live a healthy and active life with diabetes. Work as a team with your doctor to figure out what treatment will help most. You may need one or more of these: medication, diet or exercise. If your treatment plan is not working or it is too hard to keep doing, speak to your doctor right away.

If you are a CalOptima Health member and have Diabetes call 1-888-587-8088 to ask to speak to a staff member about your food choices, medicines, checking your blood sugars, important lab and exams to make sure your Diabetes is under control and the best care plan to avoid unwanted complications.