Resources – Living with Diabetes
Helpful Videos From ADCES – Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
In the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report, the CDC estimates that nearly 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes.
- An estimated 1.4 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed among people ages 18 and older in 2019.
- The percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes was highest among American Indian and Alaska Native persons (14.5%), non-Hispanic Black people (12.1%), and people of Hispanic origin (11.8%), followed by non-Hispanic Asian people (9.5%) and non-Hispanic White people (7.4%) in 2018-2019.
- Adults with a family income below the federal poverty level had the highest prevalence for both men (13.7%) and women (14.4%).
- People with less education were more likely to have diagnosed diabetes.
Working with a Diabetes Educator, a member of your healthcare team, can make managing your diabetes easier. Diabetes Educators work with you to develop a plan to stay healthy and give you the tools and ongoing support to make that plan a regular part of your daily routine.
Diabetes education is a recognized part of your diabetes care and is covered by most health insurance plans and Medicare when offered through an accredited diabetes education program. Accredited Diabetes Education Programs meet vigorous criteria set by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Chronic care management training is provided by Sorogi for healthcare and other service providers to help equip them with evidence-based skills to treat and care for patients with chronic disease conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Training is geared toward clinical staff including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, and care coordinators.
Diabetes Self- Care Behaviors
Provided with permission from the Associates of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Healthy Eating
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite foods or stop eating in restaurants. In fact, there is nothing you can’t eat. But you need to know that the foods you eat affect your blood sugar.
Being Active
Being active not just about losing weight. It has many health benefits like lowering cholesterol, improving blood pressure, lowering stress and anxiety, and improving your mood. If you have diabetes, physical activity can also help keep your blood sugar levels to normal and help you keep your diabetes in control.
Monitoring
Checking your blood sugar levels regularly gives you vital information about your diabetes management. Monitoring helps you know when your blood sugar levels are on target and it helps you make food and activity adjustments so that your body can perform at its best.
Taking Medication
There are several types of medications that are often recommended for people with diabetes. Insulin, pills that lower your blood sugar, aspirin, blood pressure medication, cholesterol-lowering medication, or a number of others may work together to lower your blood sugar levels, reduce your risk of complications and help you feel better.
Problem Solving
Everyone encounters problems with their diabetes control; you can’t plan for every situation you may face. However, there are some problem-solving skills that can help you prepare for the unexpected — and make a plan for dealing with similar problems in the future.
Reducing Risks
Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk for developing other health problems. However, if you understand the risks, you can take steps now to lower your chance of diabetes-related complications.
Healthy Coping
Diabetes can affect your physically and emotionally. It’s natural to have mixed feelings about your diabetes management and experience highs and lows. The important thing is to recognize these emotions as normal but take steps to reduce the negative impact they can have on your self-care.
Contact Us
Questions? We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line and we will get right back to you.
Visit Us
80 M Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
Contact uS
(202) 594-9994
Open Hours
M-F: 9am – 5pm
Sat: By appointment
Sun: By appointment