Help prevent diabetes

UPMC Health Plan offers a Diabetes Health Management program for members who have been diagnosed with diabetes. A personal care manager provides information specific to each member’s condition, and is the member’s link to support in the management of his or her diabetes. Personal care managers work closely with the member’s own physicians, as well as Health Plan pharmacists, nurses, and social workers to make sure each member has the information and support to live well with his or her condition.

Diabetes is a life-long chronic illness. Many people who are at risk for diabetes can lower their risk by adopting healthier lifestyles, including eating right and exercising. Use this simple quiz to assess your risk for developing diabetes:

• Are you overweight?
  
• Are you older than 45?
  
• Do you have a parent or a sibling with diabetes?
  
• Did you have diabetes when you were pregnant or did you give birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more?
  
• Are you Asian American, Pacific Islander, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian?
  
• Are you inactive or are you active less than three times a week?
  
• Do you have blood vessel problems that affect your heart, brain, or legs?
  
• Do you have polycystic ovarian syndrome?
  
• Is your blood pressure 140/90 or higher?
  
• Is your cholesterol level high?
  
• Is your glucose level higher than normal?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are at an increased risk for diabetes. Talk to your doctor – he or she can help you understand your health risks and share important information on how to prevent diabetes.