Read Special Diabetes Issue – 2020

For those of us with diabetes, getting sick can make it harder to control blood sugar and increases our risk for developing other serious health issues.

We’ve learned a lot recently about what some people stock up on when facing an emergency. And while toilet paper is important, the items below are considered must-haves for those with diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes often doesn’t have symptoms, so the only sure way to know if your diabetes is in check is to measure the amount of sugar in your blood. But if you’re relying only on daily finger pricks or glucose pump readings, you’re not getting all the information you and your doctor need.

Sorry to say, there is no single magic pill that can treat diabetes. However, there are many different types of drugs that can work with the other parts of your diabetes management plan to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.

Q: My doctor says I should get a special “diabetic” eye exam. Is it part of my SCAN benefits?

Consider yourself lucky. Prediabetes, like diabetes, often has no clear symptoms. By finding out now, you’ve got the advantage.

“Reading” your feet can tell you a lot about your diabetes, including if your blood sugar is under control and whether you’re running into any potential problems.

Con artists often target seniors with diabetes. Some promise deals on diabetes supplies and equipment that sound too good to be true (because they are). Others peddle miracle creams for pain or cures for other symptoms that many seniors with diabetes experience. And lately, scammers have added a new twist to their schemes.

The recent quarantines may have you wondering if you should put off preventive screenings and other tests you may be due for now.