Diabetes

Diabetes basics

• Learn the basics about Diabetes on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Diabetes prevention

Estimates show that 1 in 3 Coloradans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes within six years. You can help prevent diabetes by learning about your risk, making lifestyle changes, and getting help to manage your diet and exercise.

Explore the Do I Have Prediabetes website to:

• Learn your risk.
• Learn how to prevent diabetes.
• Find more information and to find classes in your area.

Diabetes management

• Diabetes self-management education and support teaches clients how to eat healthy, be active, monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, problem solve, reduce risk for other health conditions, and cope with their disease. It is evidence-based and improves clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life.

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES)

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support, or DSMES, teaches participants how to eat healthy, be active, monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, problem solve, reduce risk for other health conditions, and cope with their disease. It is evidence-based and improves clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life.

• The CDPHE DSMES Toolkit provides a variety of resources.
• The American Diabetes Association website allows you to search recognized education programs by zip code.
• The American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists website allows you to find diabetes education & support programs.

Gestational diabetes

• Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy in women who don’t already have diabetes. There are a variety of resources available for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Diabetes in children and youth

• The Children with Diabetes website provides a variety of resources and information.
• Many people think that only older adults can develop type 2 diabetes, but kids and teens can get it too. The CDC website provides guidance for preventing Type 2 diabetes in kids.
• Getting back to school takes more preparation for kids with diabetes. Learn more about managing your child's Type 1 diabetes on the CDC website.
• The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.
• Register for the American Diabetes Association Safe At School programs.
• The CDC's BAM! Body and Mind is a classroom resource portal for grades 4-8 teachers.
• The American Diabetes Association provides resources that help parents and guardians understand the legal protections in the childcare setting and secure a safe and healthy environment for very young children with diabetes for childcare, camps, and recreational programs.

Financial assistance and medical supplies

• There are many types of programs for different kinds of people and each has a set of benefits.
• The JDRF is fighting for changes from manufacturers, health plans, employers, and the government for affordable access to insulin and all diabetes prescription therapies. They also provide resources for helping with your diabetes prescription and insulin costs.
• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers guidance on financial help for diabetes care.
• The American Diabetes Association has tools and resources for insulin affordability.
• The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies provides information about insulin affordability programs.