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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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?
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
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.
Have the Va tried the Holistic Health approach to Diabetes