November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

Type I

Type I diabetes is called “insulin dependent diabetes” and often begins in childhood. With Type I, the damaged pancreas does not make any insulin. Only 5% of people with diabetes have Type I.

Type II

Often a milder form of diabetes than Type I, with Type II Diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body’s needs, or the body’s cells are resistant to it.

Diabetes in the Construction Industry

During the last decade, the prevalence of diabetes dramatically increased among workers in construction trades, particularly in those over age 55. Approximately 7% (21 million) of the entire U.S. population have diabetes; of those, an estimated 6.2 million people are undiagnosed. According to a medical screening program among construction workers, about half of the diabetics identified by the screening did not know that they had diabetes.

Fund Participant Particulars

1,005 members have diabetes

7,814 members have Hypertension and/or High Cholesterol which can lead to Diabetes

65% more out-of-pocket expenses than non-diabetic

Know the Signs

Risk Factors

High Blood Glucose ⋅ High Blood Pressure ⋅ High Cholesterol ⋅ Smoking ⋅ Ages 45+ ⋅ Family History ⋅ Overweight ⋅ Low Physical Activity

Symptoms

Frequent Urination ⋅ Excessive Thirst ⋅ Excessive Hunger ⋅ Extreme Fatigue ⋅ Blurry Vision ⋅ Slow to Heal Cuts and Bruises ⋅ Numbness in Hands & Feet

Foods that Help Prevent Diabetes

Whole Grains
Broccoli
Spinach
Blueberries
Grapefruit
Plain Yogurt
Water
Carrots
Avocados

The #1 way to test for diabetes is the A1C score. Don’t know your A1C score? Visit Patient First for your annual physical & receive a $25 gift card!* Covered 100%.