National Diabetes Month

– Family history of type 1 diabetes
– Younger age
– Genetics
– Environmental factors


Type 1 diabetes most often develops in children, teens, or young adults, however, type 1 can occur at age.

– Nausea, vomiting, stomach pains
– Frequent urination, often at night
– Increased thirst
– increased appetite
– Fatigue
– Dry skin
– Lose weight without trying
– Numbness/tingling in hands or feet

Similar to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, a fasting blood glucose and A1C blood test are generally performed. A1C measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2 or 3 months. To differentiate type 1 from type 2, your provider may order a test looking for specific antibodies in your blood indicating an autoimmune response or a urine test looking for ketones; these would be present in type 1 diabetes.

– History of prediabetes
– Overweight
– Generally 45 years or older
– Family history of type 2 diabetes
– Sedentary lifestyle
– History of gestational diabetes

– Frequent urination, often at night
– Increased thirst
– Increased appetite
– Fatigue
– Dry skin
– Weight loss without trying
– Slow healing sores
– Numbness/tingling in hands or feet

Similar to prediabetes and type 1 diabetes, a fasting blood glucose and A1C blood test are typically ordered. Generally, a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL and above and an A1C of 6.5% and above indicate diabetes. Alternative blood tests used for confirming a diabetes diagnosis include glucose tolerance tests and random blood sugar tests.

– History of gestational diabetes
– Gave birth to a baby who weighed over 9lbs
– Older than 25 years old
– Overweight
– Family history of type 2 diabetes
– History of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

There are usually no symptoms of gestational diabetes or the symptoms are masked by pregnancy. For example:
– Frequent urination, often at night
– increased thirst
– increased appetite
– Fatigue
– Yeast infections

Your health care provider should test you for gestational diabetes between week 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If you have a higher risk for gestational diabetes, your provider may opt to test you a few weeks earlier. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests: Glucose Screening Test and Glucose Tolerance Test.

GatorCare members, including covered spouses and dependents, diagnosed with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes may be eligible to receive Contour® test strips AT NO COST. Complete the application to become approved for free test strips!

All GatorCare members with a diagnosis of type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes may be eligible to redeem a free glucose meter if using or switching to Contour® Next test strips. Learn how you can get a FREE Contour® Next Meter delivered to your home!

Speak to a Registered Dietitian at no cost, via Zoom or in-person (Jacksonville) to help with nutrition and related health topics like healthy eating, meal planning, weight management, food allergies, nutrition for chronic health conditions and more.

Expecting mothers covered under any Florida Blue health plan are eligible for the Healthy Addition program. This program provides a pregnancy risk screening, monitoring, emotional support, and education for the mother as well as serving as a resource for questions and concerns.

According to the CDC, prediabetes affects nearly 96 million people, yet 80% of those people don’t know they even have it. Are you one of the 80%? Take a short Prediabetes Risk Assessment Screening to find out your risk today and what you can do to lower your risk to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Join the American Diabetes Association’s FREE Living with Type 2 Diabetes Program to receive the support you need to help get your diabetes on track. You’ll receive six free e-booklets on the main topics discussed. Plus, you can attend the Ask the Experts Q&A series covering topics such as foot care, preventing and treating eye complications, meal prep, and health insurance planning.

The National Institute of Health has outlined steps to create your personal game plan to tackle diabetes prevention. This article will walk you through the “need-to-know” information to set you up for self-directed success.

The Healthy Lifestyle Program is series of six, 45-minute sessions that will walk you through the fundamentals of creating a healthier, balanced lifestyle. This six-week program is designed for you to access on demand to meet your needs. Discover the latest physical activity and nutrition recommendations, set goals, and practice techniques learned in real-time.