November is National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month

About 10.5% of the American population has diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association and nearly 1 in 5 adults live with the disease unknowingly.  Diabetes (type 2) is a chronic, long-lasting metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels because the body is not effectively making or using its own insulin. N Good Health has resources to help you prevent or manage your diabetes.

November is National Diabetes Month with this year’s focus on prediabetes and preventing diabetes.  The diagnosis of prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be at diabetes level.  According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 1 in 3 US adults have prediabetes but the majority don’t know they have it as many do not display symptoms. 

Those with prediabetes do not automatically develop type 2 diabetes.  Early treatment can actually return blood sugar levels to the normal range so having annual check-ups with your primary care provider is important.  Lifestyle changes like choosing to eat more vegetables and less processed foods, drinking water rather than soda and incorporating more movement into your day make it possible to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes.

If you have high blood glucose levels or you have previously been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, you have options through N Good Health, your employee wellness program:

  • Prevention:  If you have prediabetes or just want to take preventive action, you can make small changes that can have huge impact on your health. Click here to learn more about those small changes. Research shows that you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% by losing 7% of your body weight and exercising moderately for 150 minutes per week (30 minutes per day, 5 days per week). Lark is a program focused on helping you improve your health through digital diabetes prevention coaching. This is a free benefit through Norton Healthcare medical insurance   Click here to learn more and determine if you are eligible. 
  • Maintenance:  N Good Health has two options to help diabetics manage symptoms and blood sugar levels.  Omada, mentioned above, also offers tools to keep glucose levels in check through nutrition, manage stress and move more.   A plan is designed for you to help you build routines, manage medications and be supported.  Additionally, Rx For Better Health is your diabetes management program created specifically for employees and their family members.   Meet with a Norton Healthcare pharmacist, nutritionist and/or counselor to save you money on your prescriptions while empowering you to take care of your health.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help along your journey in preventing or managing diabetes.  Your doctor combined with resources available through N Good Health are vital connections to support and guide you to better health.

Sources:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; American Diabetes Association; Center for Disease Control