Living Well with Diabetes

What is the difference between prediabetes and diabetes?

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. However, it increases the risk of developing diabetes.

Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. In people who don’t have diabetes, most food is turned into sugar (glucose) and released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps blood sugar enter the body’s cells so it can be used for energy. 

With diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin the way it should. If the body can’t make enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Over time, too much blood sugar can lead to other serious health problems like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are many types of diabetes, the most common being type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).

• Type 1, which used to be called juvenile diabetes, is thought to be an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake.) It can take months or years before symptoms are noticed or happen very quickly. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. It’s less common than type 2, and unfortunately there is no way to prevent it. Only about 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1.¹  
• Type 2 develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults. With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin well or doesn’t produce enough and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2.²
• Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born. However, it could increase the mother’s and baby’s risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.²

Who is at risk for developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes?

People are at higher risk for these conditions if they:

• Are overweight
• Are older than 45
• Have an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active less than 3 times a week
• Have had gestational diabetes
• Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native²

Know your risk. Each person can talk with their doctor to understand their risks and get their blood sugar levels tested.

What are some ways to reverse prediabetes and manage type 2 diabetes?

Being diagnosed with either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, but there are things individuals can do to manage these health conditions. And the good news is, by taking consistent healthy steps, they can lower their risk and prediabetes can be reversed!³ They can talk with their doctor about creating a specific plan for themselves. In general, most people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes will benefit when they:

• Eat well. There is not one specific eating plan to follow, but it’s always a good idea for people to think about eating for their health. Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, limit processed foods, eat from all food groups, pay attention to portion sizes, and read nutrition information on food labels.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Blood sugar levels may be easier to manage and less diabetes medications may be needed when a person’s in a healthy weight range.⁴
• Get physical. Being active can make people feel better, function better, and sleep better. Plus, physical activity makes them more sensitive to insulin. Their body won’t need to make as much insulin, or they won’t need to take as much.⁴
• Monitor blood sugar. People can test blood sugar regularly and keep a record of the levels to share with their doctor. Remember that blood sugar target levels may be different depending on a person’s age, any additional health conditions, and other factors.⁵
• Learn ways to cope with stress. Stress can raise blood sugar levels, so it’s important to find ways to cope. Taking up an enjoyable hobby, meditation, practicing one’s faith, and seeking support from loved ones can help.
• Take medications as directed. Individuals should take the medications prescribed by their doctor, even when they feel good.

How can Florida Blue help me lower my risk and live well with diabetes?

• Connect with a Florida Blue Care Team member by calling 1-844-730-2583. Nurses and other care professionals will work with you and your doctors to help keep you on the path to achieve your health goals. Between consultations with your doctor, your nurse care manager will track your progress and provide support for lowering your risk of diabetes and managing it along with other conditions.

• Visit or call a Florida Blue Center and talk with one of our nurses. They can help connect you with treatment support and answer any questions you have. To find the nearest Florida Blue Center, call 1-877-352-5830. Our Center team is available to everyone, whether you’re a Florida Blue member or not.
• Save money on insulin. We recently reduced the cost of several commonly prescribed insulin medications. You get the same quality drug for a lower price. Pick up your covered insulin prescriptions from your local participating pharmacy, or have them delivered to your home.

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Type 1 Diabetes?

2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Diabetes?

3Cleveland Clinic.org Health Essentials. How to Reverse Prediabetes.

4Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Weight.

5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage Blood Sugar

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