Diabetes Awareness

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Why Prevention Matters

Take Control of Your Health: Diabetes Awareness Matters. Did you know diabetes affects millions of Americans and often goes undetected until serious complications occur? For UnitedAg members, staying informed and proactive is key.

Why It's Important

Early Detection: Know the signs and get screened regularly.
Prevention: Learn healthy habits that can lower your risk.
Better Care: Access UnitedAg’s wellness programs, clinics, and health resources.
Protect Your Family & Community: Healthy members create stronger, safer communities.

Your health is your most important asset. Take the first step today—learn, screen, and take control! UnitedAg is here to support you every step of the way.

What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

Definition: An autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with T1D produce little to no insulin.
Onset: Usually diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults, but can occur at any age.
Prevalence: About 1.6 million Americans have T1D, including 187,000 children and adolescents.
Causes: Exact cause unknown; likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Management: Requires insulin therapy daily to survive; monitoring blood sugar is critical.
Risks: Without insulin, can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be life-threatening

Type 2 Diabetes

Definition: A chronic condition where the body resists insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
Onset: More common in adults, but increasing among children and teens due to obesity and lifestyle factors.
Prevalence: About 37 million Americans (over 1 in 10) have diabetes, and 90–95% of cases are Type 2.
Causes/Risk Factors:
- Obesity or overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Family history of diabetes
- Age (risk increases after 45)
- Certain racial/ethnic groups (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
- Management: Lifestyle changes (healthy eating, regular physical activity), oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
Complications: Increases risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage.

Diabetes Management

Livongo by Teladoc Health

Livongo is a chronic‑condition management platform, originally focused on diabetes (type 1 & 2), that provides a connected meter, unlimited strips/lancets, coaching, and real‐time feedback for members.

Key Features:

A smart blood‑glucose meter that uploads results automatically.
Unlimited test strips/lancets shipped to your door at no cost (if you’re eligible via your employer or health plan) for diabetes management.
Access to certified diabetes care and education specialists/coaches, personalized insights, support if readings are out of range.
The program is positioned as a zero additional cost benefit for eligible participants — essentially the employer or health plan covers the program cost.

Nutrition Program by UnitedAg Health & Wellness Clinics

Nutrition counselling & health coaching: UnitedAg’s wellness programs include one‑on‑one nutritional counselling to support prevention of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and other lifestyle‑driven conditions.
Access at Health & Wellness Clinics: The nutrition/health coaching is delivered through UnitedAg’s network of Health & Wellness Clinics (and through wellness‑program referrals) that serve covered employees and dependents.
Zero or low‑cost access: For most plan offerings via UnitedAg, services at the wellness clinics (including preventive care, wellness & lifestyle management) are available with $0 copay or very low cost.
Goal‑setting & behavior change focus: The counselling is designed to help members set goals, engage with coaches/dietitians, and support behavior change (diet, lifestyle) in addition to traditional care.

For more information on the program and benefit offerings for diabetes management, contact the Member Services team 800.223.4590