World Diabetes Day sheds light on the impact of diabetes worldwide. This day is observed on November 14 each year and raises awareness about well-being and management.
A blood test called A1c tells you your average blood glucose (blood sugar) over the past three months. The sooner diabetes or prediabetes is identified, the better it can be managed. Early detection also reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications.
VA provides support and resources to help you manage diabetes. Whether you’re dealing with food insecurity, unsure of what medicines are best for you or are simply overwhelmed with this diagnosis, VA can help.
VA diabetes education program guides you through self-care behaviors
Many VA medical centers offer a diabetes education program that caters to the unique needs of Veterans. VA and the Department of Defense (DOD) created the Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Training Program. This program guides you through self-care behaviors that play a role in managing your diabetes journey.
The Veterans Health Library includes a new Diabetes Stoplight Tool. This helps you know what to do based on your blood glucose level and symptoms. When results are in your goal ranges, you’re in the “green zone.” If you move into the “yellow” or “red” zones, the tool helps you with next steps. You can learn signs and ways to avoid and treat diabetic ketoacidosis and low blood glucose as well.
Useful tools
- Veterans Health Library provides articles, videos, recipes and decision aids.
- VA’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Website guides you through what’s important to know about living with diabetes.
- VA Diabetes Numeracy Podcast Series helps you understand your blood glucose numbers.
- Diabetes Care and Education VA YouTube Channel offers short videos on a variety of diabetes topics.
- VA’s Nutrition and Food Services Website shares healthy eating tips.
Speak with your local VA care team about your risk of diabetes and the best ways to manage it this World Diabetes Day.
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Diabetes is death of the beta cells, if you are not getting VA benefits they are now undeniable under the PACT ACT,your daughter most likely too unless Diabetes runs in your family.l fought for 20 years for Diabetes type 1 to be recognized. The sooner you put in for benefits the more you can receive in benefits. Get yourself an advocate and share all your medical history since you were discharged
Go for a non VA exam and share all your problems from the top of your head to the tips of your toes and every thing in between.
Physically, mentally and emotionally. Don’t hold back. Get your daughters records too
You have to advocate for yourself and your family.
I have diabetes II. been treated for 20+ years and take metformin 500mg twice daily – a1c at 5.1. Have same problem with neuropathy as Dave Olla in the comments section – foot pain. Is there an answer for foot pain? Va hospital is a fair distance from me, so I have been seeing a local doctor 5 mins away. I’m an Air Force nam vet(66-67) stationed at Camn Ranh Bay – I know our area was spayed during my time there – is it possible the diabetes was caused by AO. One of my daughters has diabetes 1 – could she also have been affected by AO?
Please check out Information for Family Members and Dependents here: https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/dependents/index.asp) to learn more about potential family coverage.
This site is best for learning more about the PACT Act: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/#:~:text=The%20PACT%20Act%20is%20a%20law%20that%20expands,the%20care%20and%20benefits%20they%E2%80%99ve%20earned%20and%20deserve.
Regarding the neuropathy, we suggest you reach out to your VA healthcare providers to discuss treatment options that are best for you. This article on the Veterans Health Library shares a little more about treating neuropathy if you’d like to read this in preparation for your conversation with your care team: https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/Search/3,83715
What does the VA have to offer for Diabetic Neuropathy? The Gabapentin didn’t work to change the pain from neuropathy of the feet. Can the VA offer anything else, the blood glucose levels are under control and A1Cis about 6, But the neuropathy is terrible
Is there Any other solution? To get relief from the pain? Thanks
We suggest you reach out to your VA healthcare providers to discuss treatment options that are best for you. This article on the Veterans Health Library shares a little more about treating neuropathy if you’d like to read this in preparation for your conversation with your care team: https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/Search/3,83715
You did not mention a continuous glucose monitor in your subject matter. This is the first thing a veteran deserves as way more efficient than poking yourself in the finger. If you were serious about helping veterans you would have included this as way more effective than the antiquated system the VA espouses. Let me guess all about money so the VA gives the cheapest care they can to the veterans. The result will be many deaths and lost limbs because of this short-sighted cheap policy.
Agree with you. There are out there but like you said, the VA has only the cheap stuff to offer.
Absolutely agree with you. My husband is Vietnam Vet with Type II diabetes on insulin. VA denied the continuous glucose monitor so we went through the hoops to have it covered my Medicare. Best decision we have made. He sees a Community Endocrinologist as our local VA Clinics do not provide one. He’s been seeing a Community Provider for years and insulin prescriptions are sent to VA. Now, his nighttime long-lasting insulin is discontinued so another has been prescribed but VA will NOT fill it. Stating his outside provider is a PA and not a MD. Are you serious? This provider has been treating him for years and prescribing and renewing his prescriptions for years and now it’s an issue? Yep, they really are serious about helping veterans, NOT.
Have the Va tried the Holistic Health approach to Diabetes
I’ve never had a problem getting a glucose monitor from the VA or any other diabetic supplies. Your primary should be able to set you up with endocrinology. You can also get omnipods and insulin to fill them so you don’t have to give yourself several insulin shots through out the day. If your primary don’t help you talk to the patient advocate.
Veterans with diabetes who are prescribed insulin can discuss using a Continuous Glucose Monitor with their providers. Anyone who is unfamiliar with what these devices are and how they work – watch these videos to learn a little more: https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/Search/142,71718_VA
VA certainly endorses a whole health approach to all conditions; this includes finding out what matters most to you. There are many self-management behaviors like healthy eating, being active, taking medications, healthy coping, monitoring, reducing risks, and problem solving that can help manage diabetes.
Explore the VA Nutrition and Food Services site that is linked above to find recipes; adding in more movement is encouraged if deemed safe by your health care team, read more here: https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/DiseasesConditions/Diabetes/142,84704_VA.
The Living Well with Diabetes workbook (https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/DiabetesWorkbook/) includes insight into caring for your emotional health, and tips for family and friends, knowing that there are many factors involved when taking care of your health.