Diabetes

Let's talk about diabetes
 

Diabetes happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or when your cells become resistant to it. And although diabetes doesn’t go away, you can still live a long, active life by making healthy choices.
 

There may not be any symptoms early on — that’s why it’s important to get screened regularly. Diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. If not properly managed, it can affect your whole body.
 

Learn more about managing diabetes and how statins can help keep your heart healthy.

Senior African man hands using lancet on finger
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A clinical doctor giving some test results to a couple of elderly patients in hospital.

How is it diagnosed?
 

Common tests used by doctors for diagnosis include:

  •  A1c test

Checks your average blood sugar levels over the last three months.

  •  Fasting blood sugar test

Checks your blood sugar after not eating for eight hours or more.

  •  Oral sugar tolerance test

Checks your blood sugar two hours before and two hours after consuming a sweet drink.

  •  Random blood sugar test

Checks your blood sugar at the time of test regardless of what you’ve eaten.
 

Doctors will usually perform a second test if the first test is positive. Learn more* about the medical tests used to diagnose diabetes.

*You are leaving the HealthHub website and are being directed to another site. Please refer to your Explanation of Coverage (EOC) for details on your benefits and coverages.

Certain factors can put you at risk
 

  •  A family history of diabetes
  •  Being overweight
  •  High blood pressure
  •  High cholesterol
  •  Smoking
  •  A history of gestational diabetes
  •  Age — your risk of diabetes increases as you get older

Is there anything I can do to prevent diabetes?
 

  •  Eat healthy and talk to a dietician.
  •  Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
  •  Take medications as prescribed.
  •  Have your doctor check your blood sugar, blood pressure, and
    cholesterol.
  •  Complete necessary tests and exams.

How different ethnicities are affected

Diabetes is more common in certain ethnic groups. People who are African American, Latino/Hispanic American, or American Indian with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing kidney disease.

Learn more about diabetes in:

Latino/Hispanic Americans*

*You are leaving the HealthHub website and are being directed to another site. Please refer to your Explanation of Coverage (EOC) for details on your benefits and coverages.

African Americans*

*You are leaving the HealthHub website and are being directed to another site. Please refer to your Explanation of Coverage (EOC) for details on your benefits and coverages.

Can diabetes be managed?
 

Absolutely. You can manage and reduce the effects of diabetes with healthy lifestyle habits. Since having diabetes increases your risk for heart-related conditions, including heart attacks and strokes, your doctor may prescribe a statin.
 

What are statins?

Statins are a type of medication that helps lower cholesterol levels and increase blood flow. So for those with diabetes, statins are helpful because they help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Are there side effects?

While they are rare, some side effects include minor aches, pains, and elevated blood sugar levels. But don't worry. These can all be managed. The level of prevention that statins provide for serious health concerns outweighs these small risks. It's best to contact your doctor about whether statins are right for you.

Statins and exercise work great together.

Keep in mind that if you are taking statins, it's important to also maintain a healthy diet and exercise to support your whole health while living with diabetes.

Our Concierge Care program is designed to help you develop and strengthen these habits. It provides remote, personalized care from a team of health advocates, social workers, and nurses to help you maintain your health.

Go here to learn more and sign up.

Get screened if you’re at risk
 

Download and sign in to the Sydney Health app or your online plan website
Then you can schedule an appointment with your provider. Remember — lab tests
require a doctor’s order or prescription first.
 

You can also use the app and plan website to schedule appointments with:

  •  Your doctor or primary care provider (PCP)
  •  Network labs
  •  Specialists
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