Improving the lives of Hoosiers with diabetes
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Nearly 12 percent of adult Hoosiers are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us are out of the woods. In fact, one-third of adult Hoosiers have prediabetes, meaning their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, and if not managed, it could lead to a diabetes diagnosis. Some Hoosiers may be unaware of their diagnosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 5 people don’t know they have diabetes. Diabetes prevention and management is something we all should keep at the top of our list of good health habits.
Defining diabetes
There are two major types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition, where the body does not produce insulin on its own. There is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes. Instead, those with the condition must take insulin throughout the day either through injections or an automatic pump.
Type 2 diabetes, 90-95% of all diagnosed cases, develops over time when the body stops using insulin effectively. Risk factors include obesity, family history, and being 45 or older. The good news is that most cases of this type can be prevented. With a healthy diet and exercise, annual checkups and routine blood work to track specific labs, such as Hemoglobin A1C numbers, many may avoid developing the condition, stop its progression, or, in some cases, even reverse it.
Another risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is gestational diabetes. Women can be diagnosed with this type of diabetes while pregnant if they did not have diabetes before. While it sometimes goes away once the baby is born, according to the CDC, 50 percent of women with gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes later in life. Having regular checkups, glucose screening, and maintaining a healthy body weight after pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Lastly, those who do not have diabetes yet but are at risk of developing it are considered prediabetic. This means blood glucose levels are higher than normal but can still be lowered to avoid getting fully diagnosed. Managing health with prediabetes should be taken just as seriously as if you had the full diagnosis. Checking in regularly with a primary care provider can help give guidance on health and exercise routines to manage blood glucose levels.
The health and economic burden of diabetes on our communities
Both the prevalence and the cost of managing diabetes has skyrocketed and accounts for much of the overall healthcare spending in the United States. In fact, The Economic Report from the American Diabetes Association found that one out of every four dollars spent on health care is spent by a diabetic. The report also found that those with diabetes spend around 2.6 times more on medical care than someone without the condition. The quality of life and financial costs of diabetes pose a health and economic burden on not just the individual, but also on their families and the entire community.
In addition, the landscape of diabetes management is further complicated by racial disparities. The CDC shares that Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to develop diabetes compared to white adults. One of the biggest inequalities in diabetes is in the use of continuous glucose monitors. We know that access to CGMs in this population means better glucose control. The American Diabetes Association found that continuous glucose monitors (CGM) were more commonly used by white adults compared to Black and Hispanic adults. Communities of color are less likely to be offered glucose monitors as an option for diabetes management. If we hope to improve the burden of diabetes on our communities, we must seek solutions to ensure equitable opportunities for effective treatment.
CareSource recently unveiled new Marketplace health plans that are customized specifically for members with diabetes. This adds to the comprehensive support provided through CareSource Care Management, with a 24-hour health source line to help educate members about their diagnosis and guide them through their condition.
Within the next five years, the Indiana Department of Health foresees between 15-30 percent of Hoosiers with prediabetes will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes. Providing a holistic approach to diabetes, from prevention to management, can still lead to a vibrant life. We need to come together as a community to provide equitable resources, not just through health care, but access to healthy foods, education and safe environments. Through this, we can decrease financial and health burdens and build a thriving community.
