Diabetes facts
If you have diabetes, you are not alone. Almost 24 million people in the United States have diabetes. Many of them don't even know they have it. If you or someone you know has diabetes, this online resource can help you by giving you the facts about diabetes.
Diabetes and Medicare
Medicare recipients who are at risk for diabetes can receive a FREE blood sugar test from their doctor up to two times each year. You are considered at risk if you have any of the following:
- Family history of diabetes (parents, brother, or sister)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Obesity or overweight
- Diabetes during pregnancy
Also, people with Medicare who already have diabetes can receive diabetes self-management training. A doctor must request this service.
Talk with your doctor or diabetes care team about these important Medicare services and be sure to learn your blood sugar levels and what actions to take.
Expert advice on basic diabetes facts
Having diabetes isn't easy. But you can still live a full, and active life with diabetes
You do need to think about meal planning, and being active. You may also need to think about taking medicine. But many people who want to be healthy think about those things too, whether they have diabetes or not.
Others can help
Your diabetes care team can answer your questions and give you helpful tips and support. You may also find it helpful to join a diabetes support group. Companies that make insulin and other diabetes-care products often try to help by creating informational sites with diabetes tools and resources such as this one.
