HEALTH & WELLNESS
By California Broker Magazine
April is Defeat Diabetes Month in the United States, a time for education and action to help mitigate diabetes. About 830 million people worldwide have diabetes, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes a person to have elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, it can have serious side effects, ultimately damaging the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Fortunately, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recently recommended ways to improve how health professionals diagnose, treat, and monitor diabetes. By staying informed about diabetes updates on managing care, you can confidently guide your clients to make educated decisions about their health and wellness.
Common Diabetes Risk Factors
There are different types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Being aware of risk factors can help people live more intentional lifestyles, detect problems earlier, and work with their doctors more effectively to prevent diabetes.
Medical professionals believe type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, making its prevention unknown. However, people who are at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes include:
- Those who have an immediate family member with type 1 diabetes
- Children, teens, and young adults (adults rarely develop type 1 diabetes)
- Caucasians (African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes)
You are more likely to develop prediabetes or type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Are over the age of 45
- Are related to a family member with type 2 diabetes
- Live a sedentary lifestyle
- Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Have gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby that weighs nine pounds or more
- Are African American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, or Alaskan Native
You are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, or diabetes while pregnant, if you:
- Had diabetes during a previous pregnancy
- Gave birth to a baby weighing over nine pounds
- Are overweight or obese
- Are over the age of 25
- Have an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS
- Are African American, Hispanic, Latino, American Indian, or Alaskan Native
Sometimes the symptoms of type 2 diabetes aren’t very noticeable, which can lead to late diagnoses after a person has already started experiencing more severe complications. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the risk factors and get tested if you have concerns.
Updated Methods for Testing and Diagnosing Diabetes
The ADA recently published its updated “Standards of Care in Diabetes,” which outlines the most recent diabetes updates on managing care, including recommended testing methods. Currently, to confirm a diabetes diagnosis, doctors typically use blood glucose tests, which measure a person’s blood sugar levels. They also use oral glucose tests and A1C tests, which measure a person’s average blood sugar level over two to three months.
For clients diagnosed with diabetes, health insurance professionals can still provide valuable insights to help them improve their quality of life and decrease negative symptoms.
Now, the ADA also recommends antibody-based testing for individuals with a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes, even if they don’t show symptoms. A positive antibody test means the patient is likely to develop type 1 diabetes. However, the ADA recommends repeating the antibody test within three months to confirm it.
Although no patient wants to receive a diabetes diagnosis, antibody testing can help individuals avoid severe diabetes complications by catching the condition earlier and getting the proper treatment to prevent unwanted symptoms.
New Treatments and Strategies for Diabetes Care
According to the ADA, new medications and lifestyle changes can significantly improve projections on longevity as well as patients’ overall health and well-being. To reap these benefits, the ADA recommends the following habits and practices for people with a diabetes diagnosis.
New Medications for Blood Sugar Control and Heart Health
The ADA’s most recent diabetes updates on managing care advise doctors to prescribe medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists for people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In those individuals, it may help lower the risk of heart disease and reduce further kidney damage.
Diabetes treatment with new medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors may also help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the need for insulin injections. However, doctors should prescribe them in tandem with lifestyle changes, such as diet modification and regular exercise.
Improved Access to Diabetes Technology
Diabetes technology devices, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), are recommended to people with diabetes, especially in the early phase of treatment or immediately upon diagnosis. CGMs work by continually monitoring blood sugar levels and providing real-time updates via a device attached to the person’s body. This helps patients better understand their body’s responses to different foods so they can make educated food choices to manage their diabetes.
The type of device prescribed varies based on the patient’s specific treatment needs, preferences, and ability. Patients should also be trained on how to properly use their device.
Evidence-Based Healthy Diets
The ADA recommends that people diagnosed with diabetes focus on eating a healthy and balanced diet filled with a variety of foods, while also emphasizing plant-based protein and fiber to improve satiation. Healthcare providers should also encourage patients to limit their consumption of saturated fats, such as those found in full-fat dairy, processed and fatty cuts of meat, baked goods, and fried foods. Additionally, the updated diabetes management guidance recommends drinking water instead of high-calorie beverages or those with calorie-free sweeteners like Stevia or monk fruit extract. Lastly, with the increased popularity of weight-loss medications and surgery, the ADA recommends that healthcare providers remain vigilant in monitoring symptoms of malnutrition among patients using these methods.
Lifestyle Tips for Clients with Diabetes
For clients diagnosed with diabetes, health insurance professionals can still provide valuable insights to help them improve their quality of life and decrease negative symptoms. Here are some general tips health insurance providers can share with their clients to help them live comfortably with diabetes:
- Test your blood sugar frequently
- Take your medicine as advised by your doctor
- Skip the takeout and cook your own healthy foods at home
- Find a fun way to be active each day or invite a friend to join your workouts
- Learn new ways to deal with stress, like yoga or meditation, and implement them in your daily life
- Set a regular bedtime and get at least eight hours of sleep
- Attend your regular checkups to stay on top of your health.
By staying informed about the latest diabetes updates on managing care, health insurance professionals can help educate clients about diabetes and its risk factors, treatment options, and positive lifestyle changes.