November is National Diabetes Month. This month is dedicated to spreading awareness and educating the public about the different types of diabetes. The CDC states that diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US, meaning it is especially important to understand how diabetes can be prevented and managed.
History
National Diabetes Month was first established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in the mid 1970s, however, the observance truly started to gain widespread attention when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as National Diabetes Month in 1981. The significance of the month of November comes from November 14th being the birthday of Sir Fredrick Banting, a co-discoverer of insulin.
About Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use and store glucose (blood sugar) derived from food. Produced by the pancreas, insulin impacts metabolism and is also a key player in liver function. People with diabetes have complications either producing or effectively using insulin.
Types of Diabetes
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. The body does not produce insulin for individuals with type 1 diabetes and this type is classified as a chronic autoimmune disease. On the other hand, the body does not use insulin properly for those with type 2 diabetes. While type 2 diabetes is largely preventable, it is also the most common of the three, representing 90-95% of cases. Lastly, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, however the cause is unknown. Gestational diabetes causes insulin resistance, making difficult for the mother’s body to use insulin. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Fact Sheet
How careviso Can Help
Common diagnostic tests for diabetes include A1C testing, fasting blood sugar testing, and glucose tolerance testing, all of which measure blood sugar. careviso works with laboratories to help get patients access to diagnostic testing with our financial transparency and prior authorization platform, seeQer. Our wide network of laboratories, providers, and payors streamlines patient access to care, so that patients can get the right test at the right time. To learn more about seeQer, click here.
About careviso
careviso is a healthcare technology company supporting everyone involved in diagnostic testing. We created a proprietary platform for payors, physicians, and laboratories that improves patient care through streamlined workflows. By automating the impossible we’re solving the most complex problems in the healthcare industry: prior authorizations and financial transparency.