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Diabetes is a condition that requires constant monitoring and mindfulness, which can present challenges with today’s busy lifestyles. Most experts agree that there are core health practices essential to managing diabetes: blood glucose control, medication management, exercise, nutrition, and support.
WHA provides you with tools, programs and resources to help make choices that ultimately result in healthier outcomes as well as improved quality of life and longevity. We offer these in support of you and your family.
Our Real Appeal: Diabetes Prevention program helps members take small, doable steps that lead to big results. Make small changes over time to gradually shift to a happier you with a healthier lifestyle. Life-changing results with support and resources along the way.
An innovative, telehealth nutritional treatment program that reverses type 2 diabetes by helping people lower blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c, making it possible to reduce diabetes medications and lose weight. WHA members are already seeing great results!
Living with diabetes is challenging so, we’ve added incentives as a reward for taking care of your health. Do your yearly A1C testing and dilated retinal eye test, and engage in our diabetes reversal telehealth program, then enter for chance to a win gift card(s).
Your doctor will want to check your feet at least annually to detect any signs of trouble with circulation, nerve damage or the overall condition of your feet. Smoking and high blood sugar levels can significantly affect the health of your feet. Check them daily and make sure after you shower or bathe to dry your feet thoroughly, especially in-between the toes, to avoid skin breakdowns and infections. Avoid putting lotion between the toes and wear well-fitting protective shoes. Remember to break in new shoes gradually to avoid blisters and other injuries. Get more information about foot care.
The A1c is a non-fasting blood test that tells your doctor how well your blood sugar is being controlled (on average) over a 2– to 3–month period. Generally, an A1c less than (<) 7% is preferred; however, this can vary if you have other conditions. Check with your doctor about the level that is right for your individual health needs. An A1c test is recommended up to four times a year. Your doctor will determine how often you need to have an A1c based on your individual health needs. Learn more about other all-important tests.
Kidneys are remarkable organs that remove waste products from the blood system. Diabetes can damage the kidneys and cause them to lose the ability to filter out waste products; which can result in kidney disease and kidney (renal) failure. Keeping your diabetes and blood pressure under control lowers the risk of kidney disease. A urine test know as albuminuria checks how well your kidneys are functioning and should be done once a year.
Experts have found that high blood pressure and diabetes–the “dastardly duo”–seem to go hand-in-hand. For most people living with diabetes, the general goal is to keep your blood pressure less than 140/90. However, maintaining a blood pressure level that fits with your personal health may not be the same for someone else. Your doctor will work with you to help you maintain the blood pressure level that fits with your personal health needs. Get tips on how to reduce your blood pressure.
If not managed well, diabetes can affect any part on your body. WHA is dedicated to educating members about the importance of preventive care and health screenings, discussing the risks associated with diabetes with your doctor and educating members about how to prevent complications from the disease. To learn more about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website.
Stopping the cigarette habit greatly improves your risk factors. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen reaching tissues that can damage small blood vessels, particularly in the hands, feet, kidneys and eyes. Smoking cessation classes can help you get on the right path.Learn more about smoking and diabetes.