Don’t Let Diabetes Hold You Back!  

Did you know?  

37 million Americans have diabetes and one in three Americans have prediabetes. If you’re struggling with a new diagnosis or worried about your plan for diabetes management, you aren’t alone!  

Type 1 Diabetes 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), type 1 diabetes accounts for less than 10% of all diabetes diagnoses in the United States. While type 1 diabetes is not preventable or curable, it is treatable. Early diagnosis is critical to ensure the condition does not lead to any additional health concerns.  

Type 2 Diabetes  

Type 2 diabetes is often preventable and occurs when your body cannot use insulin properly. You can get ahead of type 2 diabetes by:   

• Visiting your primary care provider for checkups regularly,  
• Moving your body often,  
• Eating a balanced diet, and 
• Maintaining a healthy weight  

Factors that Impact Diabetes 

Many social, economic, and systemic factors impact your health, including your risk of and management strategy for diabetes. These can include (but are not limited to):  

• Access to fresh foods  
• Neighborhood safety  
• Income  
• Education  
• Race  

It’s not always as simple as taking an extra walk or eating more fruit and vegetables. That’s why it’s important to partner with your primary care provider and engage with a healthcare professional who specializes in diabetes care management to help you create a plan that works for you.   

Prediabetes  

Did you know that you and your doctor may be able to stop type 2 diabetes before it starts? Prediabetes is a condition that can be diagnosed if blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but not high enough to indicate a diabetes diagnosis. 

One in three Americans have prediabetes and more than 80% don’t know they have it. Diagnosing prediabetes can be a powerful step to preventing type 2 diabetes. 

Diabetes Care Specialists are Here to Help 

At Spira Care, your Care Team of providers, nurses, care guides, behavioral health consultants, and more work collaboratively to ensure every aspect of your wellbeing is cared for, including your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you are diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, an important member of your Care Team may be a Diabetes Care Specialist, like Amy and Janice. 

Amy Kapple, RDN, LD, and Janice Monachino, RN, are here to help! With more than 40 combined years of experience, Amy and Janice can:  

• Help you understand your diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.  
• Partner with you and your primary care provider to develop a care plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle.  
• Support and advocate for you.  
• Help you achieve your goals and feel your best.  

Diabetes can be an overwhelming diagnosis, but you’re not alone. Amy and Janice are passionate about partnering with you to find a diabetes management plan that works for YOU. They understand the challenges that can come up as you navigate every milestone of life while managing your chronic health conditions.  

Do you or someone you love have diabetes or prediabetes? Talk to your Spira Care provider today to find out if talking to a Diabetes Care Specialist is right for you!*  

*Primary Care and support services at Spira Care are only available to people with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City health insurance plan with exclusive access to Spira Care.   

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention