Understanding diabetes
Learn the basics about prevention and daily management.
Living with type 2 diabetes? You’re not alone.
Dealing with diabetes can be a challenge. But you can take control of your health by making little changes that add up to big improvements. Take a look.
Find out if your health is at risk.
Through specific blood tests, health care providers or doctors can determine an official prediabetes and diabetes diagnosis. And having prediabetes increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, so testing is a helpful way to track your long-term health.
Take this quick prediabetes risk test, and then be sure to discuss next steps with your doctor.
Your culture, diabetes and overall health.
Because individuals from Hispanic/Latino, African American/Black, and South Asian communities are at a higher risk for developing diabetes, there’s urgency to shed light on the issue.
Talking about your family health history and checking in with your doctors is important because your overall health is affected by your race, culture and background.
1 out of 2 Hispanics/Latinos are projected to have type 2 diabetes1
In the United States, one out of two Hispanics/Latinos are projected to have type 2 diabetes, so regular doctor visits and learning about factors that can contribute to developing this disease are important.
African American/Black people are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes2
In the United States, African American/Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites and are more likely to experience additional health complications from the disease than non-Hispanic whites.
South Asians have a higher risk of developing diabetes3
Even when weight is not a concern, South Asian people are at higher risk compared to other ethnic populations. A diabetes screening test is recommended if BMI (body mass index) is 23
or greater.
Find a health care provider who’s right for you.
When it comes to preventive care or managing your diabetes, finding a medical provider or doctor you trust can make a big difference. Click below to search for a provider by location, gender, language preference and more.
Common symptoms to look out for.
It’s important to listen to your body and pay attention to any changes you might notice. Some symptoms of diabetes can be mild. Some go unnoticed. And sometimes, there are no symptoms at all.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms below, please schedule an appointment with your health care provider:
Extreme fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Excessive thirst and/or continuous hunger
Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
Frequent urination
Blurry vision
Let’s talk about your overall health.
Sleep
Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night allows your body time to restore and repair.4
Daily movement
Walking for 30 minutes a day, even if it’s broken down into three short walks, can help boost your overall health.5
Nutrition
Eating well-balanced meals, planning ahead, and finding low-calorie ingredient alternatives can help you feel your best.
View these videos to learn more.
Diabetes and the Hispanic/Latino community
Scheduling a doctor’s visit is important for diabetes prevention and care for people in the Hispanic and Latino community — find out why from Dr. Doris X. Munoz-Mantilla.
Watch the videoA health overview for the African American/Black community
Dr. Nicole St. Clair shares information and statistics relevant to African American and Black people. Learn about everything from risk factors and symptoms to nutrition.
Watch the videoCultural factors that affect South Asians
Hear from Dr. Sheila Sudhakar about lifestyle changes for South Asian people, who are at greater risk of developing diabetes.
Watch the video- CDC. “A Snapshot: Diabetes in the United States.” https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/socialmedia/infographics/diabetes.html Page last updated August 11, 2022.
- Cigna Healthcare. “Championing Cultural Competency to Better Serve Diabetes Patients in the Black Community.” https://newsroom.cigna.com/cultural-competency-diabetes-black-community
- Cigna Healthcare. “South Asian Health Disparities.” https://www.cigna.com/health-care-providers/resources/south-asian-health-disparities Page published April, 2022.
- CDC. “How Does Sleep Affect Your Heart Health?” https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/sleep.htm Page last updated January 4, 2021.
- WebMD. “Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes.” https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/exercise-guidelines Page last updated February 23, 2023.