Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which you have consistently high blood sugar levels which can lead to health problems. There are two types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is when the body can’t make insulin
Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t make or absorb enough insulin to maintain normal blood glucose levels

Risk Factors

Family history
Genetics
Lifestyle

Symptoms

Increased thirst and urination
Increased hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Numbness in hands and/or feet
Sores that don’t heal
Unexplained weight loss or gain

Testing

The Plasma Glucose test or the A1C test to test type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 testing may include:

Random plasma glucose test
Glucose challenge test
Oral glucose tolerance test

Talk with your primary care manager about any symptoms. You can ask them if you need a screening.

Managing Diabetes

Learn about your diabetes
Check your blood sugar as directed
Take your medications as prescribed
Understand how to eat a healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Manage stress
Regularly check your feet
Complete regular eye exams
Report any complications or symptoms to your doctor

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. The effects begin soon after you stop smoking, though they are impacted by how long you have been a smoker before quitting.

The effects of quitting smoking include:

Reduced heart rate
Improved blood flow to your heart
Lower risk of heart attack
Lower risk of coronary heart disease

TRICARE East offers free Tobacco and Vaping Quit Coaching support that can be reached by calling 877-414-9949.

TRICARE Coverage

TRICARE covers medically necessary treatment and services. To be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. services, including diabetes screenings, equipment, and more for eligible beneficiaries.

Diabetic Supplies and Equipment

Therapeutic Diabetic Shoes

Diabetic Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Support and Webinars

Diabetes is part of our disease management program for eligible adults. We help TRICARE East beneficiaries improve their health through a whole-person care approach. If you want to set health goals and improve your overall well-being, our skilled staff is ready to help you. You or your doctor can call us with questions or to join the program at 800-881-9227.

We hold webinars to help you understand diabetes and other conditions which can lead to better treatment and positive changes.

View Our Webinars and OnDemand topics