Understanding and Managing Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. When blood sugar levels stay higher than normal, it can raise the risk of problems such as heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, and nerve damage. With the right care, education, and pharmacy support, many people successfully manage diabetes and protect their long‑term health.

What is diabetes?

After you eat, your food breaks down into sugar, which enters your blood. Your body creates something called insulin, which helps sugar move into your cells to give you energy. Diabetes happens when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, so sugar stays in your blood and builds up over time.

Types of diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes: A condition where the body cannot make insulin, so a person needs to take insulin every day to stay healthy.
• Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type. The body does not use insulin well or doesn’t make enough, and it usually happens slowly over time.
• Gestational diabetes: This happens during pregnancy and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.

Symptoms to watch for

Some people, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, may not feel any signs at first. But common signs include going to the restroom often, feeling very thirsty or hungry, feeling tired, having blurry eyesight, or cuts that can take a long time to heal. Regular health check-ups can help find diabetes early, when it’s easier to take care of.

The link between diabetes and heart health

Diabetes and heart health are closely connected. People with diabetes are more likely to have heart problems. Too much sugar in the blood can harm blood vessels and the nerves that help the heart work. This risk is higher if a person also has high blood pressure or high cholesterol. That’s why taking care of diabetes also means taking care of the heart.

Managing diabetes day to day

Most diabetes care plans include:

• Healthy eating: Eating healthy foods like vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, and limiting added sugars.
• Physical activity: Regular movement helps improve insulin use and blood sugar control.
• Medicines: Some people may need pills, injections, or insulin to stay healthy.
• Monitoring: Checking blood sugar helps guide daily decisions and long‑term care.

When to talk with a healthcare provider

If you have symptoms, risk factors, or difficulty managing diabetes, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. Ongoing help, including support from your pharmacy, can make it easier to take care of your diabetes over time.

How CarelonRx can help

For those taking diabetes medications, having the right support is essential. Through CarelonRx services, members can get help to understand their medicines, manage side effects, and stay on track with treatment.

For questions about a home-delivery prescription from CarelonRx Pharmacy, please contact CarelonRx Pharmacy at 833-396-0309.

For pharmacy benefit-related questions, please refer to the contact details listed on the back of your CarelonRx member ID card.