Diabetes

Healthy Living with Diabetes is offered by the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging in English and Spanish. For more information on where Healthy Living with Diabetes is available, go to Find a Workshop | WIHA and select the “Healthy Living with Diabetes” option under the “Curriculum” tab.

Project Power empowers adults and children to reduce their risk or manage and thrive with type 2 diabetes. Learn more about and register for this no-cost lifestyle change program for the American Diabetes Association.

The Diabetes Kickstart Video series from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show you the self-care steps you need to get started managing diabetes. This series of seven videos in English or videos in Spanish—all include tips and strategies you can use right now.

Wisconsin Lions Foundation's Diabetes Educational Videos can be viewed on YouTube, or ordered by calling 1-877-463-6953 (toll-free)

• Protect your Vision: The Dilated Eye Exam
• The Links to Chronic Kidney Disease: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Family History
• Type 1 Diabetes: Care with Confidence

Downloadable materials are available to help manage diabetes

• Download the Diabetes Self-Care Guide, P-43081, is available in English, Spanish and Hmong for download. The guide explains how diabetes affects you and what you can do to take care of yourself. There is space in the back to keep track of your diabetes care and set health goals.
• Blood Glucose (Sugar) Log Booklet, P-00246 is available in English and Spanish. Log your blood glucose (sugar) results each day and use the results to make lifestyle changes. Share your results with your health care providers so they can make changes to your medicine if needed.
• My Blood Pressure Log (PDF) from the American Heart Association can be used to keep track of your blood pressure. Measure it regularly at home and share it with your health care provider. It's important to know and track your blood pressure, since having diabetes increases your risk for heart disease.

With so much information about diabetes online, it helps to know which sources you can count on. These trusted organizations provide reliable, evidence-based guidance.

• American Diabetes Association
• American Heart Association
• CDC Living with Diabetes
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

There are many diabetes medications that can be used to improve glucose (sugar) levels. You and your health care provider can decide which are the best for you. Some medications can cause blood sugar levels to go too low. This can be dangerous. See the American Diabetes Association sources listed to learn about diabetes medications and how to keep yourself safe while taking them.

• Get a Handle on Diabetes Medication
• Type 2 Diabetes Medications
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose or Sugar)

It's not uncommon for people with diabetes to need two or more medications. Some medications can be expensive. If you have concerns about medication costs, here are resources.

• Resources to Lower Your Insulin Cost
• Disability Drug Benefits Helpline: 800-926-4862 is a toll-free helpline operated by Disability Rights Wisconsin that helps people who have Medicare due to a disability with questions about prescription drug coverage.
• Medigap Part D and Prescription Drug Helpline: 855-677-2783 is a toll-free helpline operated by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care that answers questions from Wisconsin residents aged 60 and over about Medicare Part D and other prescription drug coverage options.
• Needy Meds: information on locating assistance programs for affording medications and health care costs.
• Partnership for Prescription Assistance: a free, online resource for uninsured and underinsured individuals to find prescription medications for free or nearly free.
• Wisconsin Judicare, Inc.: 800-472-1638 provides outreach and benefits counseling to Native American Medicare beneficiaries.
• Covering Wisconsin: 877-942-6837 is a state-wide program to help people understand and sign up for publicly available health insurance and other programs that support health.

Safe Disposal of sharps and needles: It is illegal to put needles and other sharp medical items in the trash, recycling or medication collection drop boxes. If sharps are put in the trash or recycling or flushed down the toilet, they can injure sanitation workers or cause equipment problems. Therefore, it is important to properly package and dispose of all sharps.

• Managing Health Care Waste: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website has information on managing health care waste for patients, clinics, schools, and others.
• Managing Household Medical Sharps: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website has information on correct packaging and safe disposal of medical sharps through the Wisconsin Sharps Collection Program.

Eating nutritiously with diabetes does not mean you have to give up your favorite foods. These resources provide tips for meal planning, grocery shopping, and diabetes-friendly recipes.

• Healthy eating tips - American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• Meal planning and recipes (also in Spanish)—Diabetes Food Hub (ADA)
• Healthy eating tips (also in Spanish)—National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Not having enough food or adequate healthy food to eat can make it difficult to be healthy with diabetes.

• Find food assistance—Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Food Insecurity and Diabetes—ADA

Along with eating well and taking medicine, being physically active is an important part of managing diabetes. There are many ways to be active daily. These resources include ideas that are safe and effective.

• Get Active—CDC
• Fitness—ADA

Taking care of ourselves when we have diabetes requires a lot of effort. It can lead to stress. Sometimes we may have feelings of sadness, grief, anger, and frustration. This is normal. If we have these feelings and they do not go away it is time to seek help.

• Understanding Diabetes and Mental Health
• Diabetes and Mental Health
• Mental Health: Healthy Living

If you don’t use commercial tobacco, don’t start.

If you do, getting help to quit is one of the best things you can do for your physical, mental, and financial health.

Visit DHS Help to Quit or call 800-QUIT-NOW or 800-784-8669 to get free access to coaching and medication to help you quit.

Diabetes information and care can be hard to understand. Your health care team wants you to be successful. Do not hesitate to ask questions or discuss your concerns. Be sure to tell your health care team if you are having problems with any treatment.

• Your Diabetes Care Team
• Your Diabetes Care Schedule
• Your Diabetes Care and Management Plan (PDF)

Diabetes can affect the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, sometimes leading to vision loss. Regular diabetic eye exams help catch problems early and protect your sight.

• Eye Health—American Diabetes Association
• Diabetes-related Eye Disease (fact sheets available in Spanish)—Prevent Blindness Wisconsin

High blood sugar can cause gum disease and infections. Regular brushing and flossing, and routine dental visits help keep your mouth healthy.

• Oral Health—American Diabetes Association
• Oral Health and Diabetes, P-00140 (PDF)—Wisconsin DHS

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can protect your heart.

• Diabetes and Your Heart—American Diabetes Association
• Know Diabetes by Heart (information also available in Spanish)—American Heart Association

Your kidneys help filter waste from your blood, but diabetes can strain them over time. Healthy habits and routine tests can prevent kidney damage.

• Keep Your Kidneys Healthy—American Diabetes Association
• Diabetes - A Major Risk Factor for Kidney Disease—National Kidney Foundation

Diabetes can affect circulation and nerves, which sometimes impacts sexual health. Talking openly with your care team can help you find solutions and stay well.

• Sexual Health —American Diabetes Association

Nerve damage and poor circulation can make it more difficult to feel and heal from foot injuries. Checking your feet daily and getting regular foot exams help to prevent problems.

• Diabetes & Your Feet—American Diabetes Association

Having diabetes increases your risk for other illnesses. If infected, your symptoms may be more severe, and it may take longer for you to recover. Ask your health care team which vaccines are right for you.

• Vaccinations—American Diabetes Association
• Adult Vaccine Information—Wisconsin DHS

The change of your daily routine during sick days means taking a little extra care to manage your blood sugar levels. These resources can help you manage.

• Planning for Sick Days
• Managing Sick Days

Emergencies may impact supplies and services you rely on to manage your diabetes. Make plans to be prepared whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place.

• Resources in Times of Disaster
• Diabetes Care During Emergencies
• Diabetes Disaster Preparedness Plan

Traveling can be a great adventure, but changes in time zones, activity levels, and food choices can all impact your blood sugar levels. By making some additional preparations, you can still have a great trip and keep your diabetes managed.

• Traveling with Diabetes
• Air Travel and Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction (where the body attacks itself by mistake) so insulin isn't made anymore. About 5 to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. Type 1 is most often seen in children and young adults. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to keep blood sugar levels healthy.

Learn more about What is type 1 diabetes and your journey with type 1 diabetes. Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, makes educational and research information available at their website.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn't use insulin well. Two out of five adults are expected to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. People with type 2 diabetes may take pills, insulin, other injectable diabetes medication, or a combination of medication to keep blood sugar levels healthy.

An increasing number of children are experiencing type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children.

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. Every year, two to ten percent of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, it usually goes away after your baby is born but greatly increases your risk and your baby's risk of having type 2 diabetes later in life.

Programs that help families build healthy habits early can make a big difference. Parents or guardians and kids learn about nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being, and receive support in making positive behavior changes together. CDC-recognized Family Healthy Weight Programs help to reduce childhood obesity, improve family well-being, and lower the long-term diabetes risk.

Explore programs and resources that support families creating healthier routines:

• Building Healthy Families—Jackson County Public Health in partnership with Lunda Community Center
• Healthy Weight and Your Child—Milwaukee YMCA
• Building Healthy Families—We All Rise: African American Resource Center
• Nutrition and physical activity resources for kids and families—Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Healthy living advice about nutrition, activities, and sports for kids—American Academy of Pediatrics

Managing diabetes during the school day and as part of activities is important for kids' health, learning, and confidence. It can be challenging to keep everything in balance, but good communication and planning can make a difference.

• Managing Diabetes at School
• Help for Parents
• ADA Diabetes Medical Management Plan (PDF)

Camps are a great way for children and teens with diabetes to meet other kids like them, build self-confidence, and learn about healthy lifestyle through education, physical activity, emotional well-being, and keeping blood sugars healthy.

• Camp Needlepoint
• Wisconsin Lions Diabetes Camp