Fidelis Care Encourages Parents to Schedule Well Child Visits (2024)

HomeMemberHelpful ToolsHealth ResourcesDiabetes Types

Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot properly use insulin. The body either doesn’t make enough insulin, or can’t use the insulin properly. As a result, there is too much sugar in the blood. People with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of serious complications.

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Types of Diabetes:

Causes,Identification, and More

➤There are different types of diabetes, each with different causes, but they all share the common problem of having too much glucose in your bloodstream.
Select a class in the dropdown to learn more.

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Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes are usually diagnosed as children or adolescents, and depend on insulin therapy and other treatments to make up for the lack of insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetesoccurs when the pancreas makes some insulin, but it’s not enough to meet the body’s needs. People with Type 2 diabetes are usually diagnosed as adults and are not dependent on insulin therapy.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetescan occur in pregnant women. While it doesn’t mean a woman had diabetes before pregnancy or will have diabetes after birth, her doctor’s advice should be followed to remain healthy.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means you have a higher than normal blood sugar level. Unmanaged prediabetes can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes doesn’t always have symptoms, so it’s crucial to get blood sugar levels tested, especially if you’re at high risk. Losing weight, exercising regularly and healthy eating habits can reverse prediabetes and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Other types of Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about2% of people have rarer types of diabetes. Including MODY, LADA, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, and diabetes caused by rare syndromes.

  • MODY➤MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is caused by a mutation in a single gene. If a parent has this gene mutation, any child they have, has a 50% chance of inheriting it from them. If a child does inherit the mutation, thesymptoms of MODY are oftenestablishedbefore the age of 25, regardless of their weight or lifestyle.It’s estimated that 90% of those diagnosed with MODY are mistakenly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at first.
  • LADA ➤LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is a type of diabetes whichstraddles type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The symptoms reported of this variant correspond with each Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which is why some people call it type 1.5 diabetes or type 1 ½ diabetes. Whereas being overweight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, people with LADA tend to have a healthy weight.
  • CFRDCFRD(Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes) is atype of diabetes that is unique tochildren and adults with cystic fibrosis(CF). The accumulationof sticky mucus caused by CF can sometimeslead to inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. This can damage the cells that produce insulin,leading to high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Whenthe pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels may continue to rise and developintoCFRD.

Testing & Diagnosis

Common Tests for Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prediabetes

If diagnosed, your doctor will have you take one or more of the following blood tests:

A1C Test

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months.

  • An A1C below 5.7% is normal
  • An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes
  • An A1C 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This test measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. You’ll be asked to fastovernight before the test and have your blood drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink the liquid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours afterward.

At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of....

  • 140 mg/dL or lower is considered normal
  • 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes
  • 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This test measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast.

A fasting blood sugar level of...

  • 99 mg/dL or lower is normal
  • 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes
  • 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You can take this test at any time and don’t need to fast prior to your appointment. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

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What Does Insulin Do?

Insulin allows the cells in the muscles, fat and liver to absorb glucose that is in the blood. The glucose serves as energy to these cells, or it can be converted into fat when needed. Insulin also affects other metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of fat or protein. Learn more below:

How is insulin created?

Insulin is a hormone created by your pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in your bloodstream at any given moment. It also helps store glucose in your liver, fat, and muscles. In addition, insulin balances your body’s metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

What happens with insulin when you eat?

When you eat, your blood glucose levels elevate, and this leads a typical person’s pancreas to release insulin, so that the sugar can be stored as energy for later use. Without this pancreatic ability, as a person with either type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes, one's blood sugar levels may rise dangerously high, or drop too low.

What happens when insulin no longer works?

Without proper insulin function, your body can’t store glucose in your muscles or liver, but neither can it make any fat. Instead, the fat breaks down and produces, among other things, keto acids.If the acid levelsgrow too high, the imbalance can trigger diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition if not treated immediately.

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Diabetes & Heart Disease

According to the National Institute of and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease. People with diabetes are also more likely to have certain risk factors, such as high blood pressureor high cholesterol, that increase their chances of having a heart attack or a stroke. Learn more below:

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What is the connection between diabetes and heart disease?

  • High blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this damage can potentiallylead to heart disease.
  • People with diabetes alsotend to develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes. In fact, adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke as adults without diabetes.
  • The good news is that the steps you take to controlyour diabetes also help lower your chances of developingheart disease.

What other factors increase my chances of heart disease if I have diabetes?

  • Smoking➤Smoking raises your risk of developing heart disease. If you have diabetes, it is important to stop smoking, because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels.
  • High blood pressure➤If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to pump harder to circulate blood. High blood pressure can strain your heart, damage blood vessels, and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Consider having your blood pressure checked regularly, and work with your doctor to regulate or lower high blood pressure.
  • Harmful cholesterol levels➤Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by your liver. You have two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can build up and clog your blood vessels. HDL, sometimes referred to as the “good cholesterol.” Higher levels of HDL is linked to lower risk for heart disease and stroke. To improve LDL and HDL balance, try to limit the amount of fat in your eating plan, consume more plant-based foods, and get regular physical activity.
  • Family history of heart disease➤Unfortunately, a family history of heart disease may add to your chances of developing the condition. If one or more of your family members had a heart attack before the age of 50, you have double the chance of developing heart disease, compared with diabetics who have no family history of the disease.

Obesity and Diabetes

Being overweight or having obesity can make it more difficult to manage your diabetes and may compound into additional health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. If you are overweight and have diabetes, adopting a healthy eating plan with fewer calories and more physical activity often will lower your blood glucose levels and reduce your need for medicines.

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Infographic ➤ Obesity and Diabetes: Interrelationship

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Living with Diabetes

Managing your ABCs

While diabetes is a serious and critical illness requiring constant attention and maintenance, living a happy, healthy, active lifestyle is still possible. With the right determination, you can manage the numbers without excessive stress and inconvenience.

An easy way to stay on top of your condition is to remember your diabetes ABCs.

A is for the A1C test

As referenced in our Testing & Diagnosis segment, The A1C test shows your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months.

  • The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7%.
  • Some people may do better with a slightly higher A1C goal. Your A1C goals may also change as you get older and your lifestyle changes.
  • Ask your health care team what your goal should be.

B is for blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the wall of your blood vessels. High blood pressure can cause a heart attack or stroke and damage your kidneys and eyes.

  • The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mm Hg. Talk to your primary to determine what your goal should be.

C is for cholesterol

A buildup of cholesterol, a form of fat found in your blood, can cause a heart attack or stroke. Monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.

As a rule-of-thumb, the 50-100-150 rule is general consensus for healthycholesterol levels. Be sure to ask your health care team what your specific cholesterol numbers should be.

  • HDL Cholesterol ➤ 50 or higher
  • LDL Cholesterol ➤ 100 or lower
  • Triglycerides ➤ 150 or lower

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Healthwise

Browse a library of health articles, videos, and tools from Healthwise.Available in both English and Spanish.

More on Diabetes

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Ketoacidosis

•When ketone levels become too high, it can lead to potentially life-threatening condition, called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA.

Read This Article


Fidelis Care Encourages Parents to Schedule Well Child Visits

6/13/2024 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Caregiver Support, Children's Health, Health and Wellness, Member News

Fidelis Care Encourages Parents to Schedule Well Child Visits (11)

Fidelis Care is encouraging parents and caregivers to schedule well child visits and to keep their children up to date with required immunizations ahead of the 2024-25 school year. To help spread the word, Fidelis Care has partnered statewide with organizations such as the Erie County Department of Health, Fulton County Public Health, Monroe County Department of Public Health, Madison County Health Department, the Batavia City School District, Allegany County Department of Health, Monroe County Medical Society, and New York State PTA, among others.

Parents and caregivers can take advantage of the time away from school to schedule children’s annual well care visits because doctor’s offices often schedule out weeks or months in advance. This ensures they are ready for the academic year ahead.

“Annual well child visits play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of children and should never be overlooked, especially heading into a new school year,” said pediatrician Dr. Lisa Moreno, Fidelis Care Medical Director. “These exams provide a thorough evaluation of your child’s overall health and allow pediatricians to closely monitor children’s growth and development from birth to adolescence. Through regular physical examinations, vaccinations, and screenings, pediatricians can address concerns and ensure children’s best chance for a healthy future.”

Well child visits can vary based upon a child’s age and healthcare needs. A typical well child visit includes a physical examination, developmental assessment, vision and hearing screening, and immunizations.

“Well child visits are an important way for pediatricians to check on a child’s physical development and to address any parents’ and caregivers’ concerns about their child’s growth and what to expect,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Diseases like measles, mumps, polio, and chickenpox used to quite frequently cause severe disease, lifelong complications, and even death. These are now very rarely seen – all because of widespread, safe, and effective immunization campaigns that have prevented illness in generations of children and their families.”

New York State requires certain immunizations for school attendance.Children who do not have required immunizations may miss school or daycare, causing a loss of learning time and disruptions to family schedules. Children who miss vaccines can also be at risk for illnesses and can put others in their household at risk.

Children’s annual well visits are covered for Fidelis Care members. To learn more about Child Health Plus and other health insurance options for children, visit www.fideliscare.org/CHPlusor call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), TTY: 711.

Fidelis Care Encourages Parents to Schedule Well Child Visits (2024)
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