Diabetes: You Can Reduce Your Risk
Posted on May 30, 2023
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the transport and use of carbohydrates, like simple sugar and starch, to generate energy, which is needed for daily life. Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This can be due to a lower insulin level than what your body requires or insulin resistance, which happens when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and cannot use glucose from your blood for energy. It can also put you at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Here’s what to know to help prevent diabetes, and control it if you have the disease:
If you have any of the above risk factors or questions about diabetes, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). A blood test can be done that measures your glucose levels, which can tell if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Diabetes can cause kidney disease. The kidneys are small organs with a big mission: to filter waste and extra water from blood. They also produce several hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells and activate vitamin D. All of these functions are vital to good health. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes can damage the kidneys’ blood filtering system. High levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) can make the kidneys filter too much blood. This puts a strain on the filters, eventually damaging the kidneys and causing kidney disease.
Healthmap Solutions: As part of our commitment to our members, Health New England partners with Healthmap Solutions (Healthmap) to deliver comprehensive care for members with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Healthmap’s Kidney Health Management (KHM) program works with your doctor to identify and support your health needs, while helping you manage your chronic condition. Your doctor can recommend you for the program if you are at risk for CKD Stage 3, 4, 5 and ESRD, which may require interventions such as hemodialysis or kidney transplant. If you are eligible, you’ll receive information in the mail or via a phone call from a Healthmap Care Navigator. Learn more at healthmapsolutions.com.
If you have diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about your risks, your kidney health, and any concerns you may have. You and your PCP can work together to help manage your disease.
Comments are currently closed.