Many people believe in the myth that diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar. In fact, diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses and stores food. In an individual who has diabetes, the body is unable to normally produce a hormone called insulin that helps process food. This lack of insulin results in elevated blood sugar levels.

There are two types of diabetes. Type I, called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and Type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Type I usually appears suddenly in children or young adults. It is usually hereditary. Type II diabetes is most often seen in overweight adults over the age of 40.

In either case, diabetes is a serious illness that requires the care of a physician. The serious complications or related health problems that can occur with diabetes can often be prevented by getting the care you need and by living a healthy lifestyle.

It is estimated that of the 16 million people in the U.S. with diabetes only half actually know they have the disease.

Are you at risk for diabetes?
If you are overweight or have a parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent that has/had diabetes, you may be at increased risk yourself. Talk to your doctor about your health history and the actions you can take to prevent developing diabetes.

If you have diabetes, there are lifestyle choices you can make that will help you manage your diabetes including:

• Have a retinal eye exam each year. Retinal eye exams have been shown to reduce the risk of blindness by 76%.
• Talk to your doctor about your blood sugar level and ways to control it.
• Develop a regular exercise program.
• Check your feet and legs for skin or sensation changes.

What Medica is doing to help people with diabetes:
Medica works with physicians to ensure that people with diabetes receive regular preventive care including an annual retinal eye exam and regular clinic visits for hemoglobin and other tests to monitor the disease.

Note to Employers and Brokers: For more information on health improvement activities and programs for the workplace, e-mail us at:hlthimp@medica.com