Take Steps to Prevent Diabetes
October 26, 2026 | Tags:
More than 40 million Americans, or 1 in 8 people, have diabetes. In Ohio, around 81,000 adults are diagnosed with diabetes every year. People with diabetes face an increased risk of health problems and medical costs that are more than twice as high those for people without diabetes. Learning how to prevent, delay and manage diabetes can help you maintain a better quality of life.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes your blood sugar levels to rise too high. Most foods you eat are broken down into sugar, or glucose, and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps blood sugar enter your body’s cells to be used as energy.
Diabetes occurs when your pancreas doesn’t release enough insulin or any at all, or your body doesn’t respond properly to its effects. There are two primary types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2:
- Type 1 diabetes: When your body doesn’t make enough insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: When your body can’t use insulin as well as it should, causing too much blood sugar to stay in your bloodstream.
Diabetes can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease and more. These complications can be long-term and may affect your quality of life.
What is prediabetes?
More than 115 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition that comes before Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when the cells in your body don’t respond normally to insulin and, as a result, your pancreas releases more insulin. The increase in insulin causes higher blood sugar levels, but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Depending on the type of diabetes, symptoms may not appear or could take years to develop. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms, such as:
- Feeling thirsty more than usual.
- Frequent urination.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Blurred vision.
- Slow healing cuts or sores.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
Do you know your risk for diabetes?
Diabetes is a complex condition that can develop at any age. While autoimmune and genetic forms of diabetes can’t be prevented, early treatment and moderate lifestyle changes can lower your risk of developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Steps you can take include:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically active, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Quit smoking and using tobacco products.
- Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar at your annual physical exam.
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- Practice stress management.
Take this simple 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test created by the American Diabetes Association to help assess your health status and risk. You’ll answer a few questions about your body, habits and background.
However, a blood test is need for a diagnosis. You can ask your provider about getting an A1C blood test, which can identify prediabetes or diagnose Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Medical Mutual’s Diabetes Prevention program
If you have a family history of diabetes or feel you are at risk for developing diabetes, Medical Mutual offers a digital Diabetes Prevention program, fully recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Call 1-800-590-2583 (TTY 711) to learn more or to enroll. Our care management specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (confidential voicemail available 24/7).
Talk to your provider about diabetes
Your primary care provider (PCP) can help you navigate concerns about prediabetes or diabetes, including creating a plan to manage your care. If you don’t have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool or call the Customer Care number on your member ID card.
Looking for health insurance coverage?
The right Ohio health insurance plan can provide quality coverage to help you address concerns about or managing diabetes. Medical Mutual offers health insurance plans designed to meet the unique needs of communities across our state. Visit our Individuals and Families page to learn more about your options and find the right plan for you.