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On June 20, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release offering an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. While the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is not yet complete, UnitedHealth Group has started the process to notify impacted customers and shared a website that provides additional information. UnitedHealth Group continues to offer credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. You can learn more about the support resources by visiting Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or by reaching out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 with any questions. 

Diabetes Guide

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Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Typically, the body turns food into glucose (sugar), which is released into the bloodstream. This signals the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is what lets blood sugar into the body’s cells to create energy. With diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, so the sugar from food stays in the blood stream. This can cause serious health problems, like heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease. There are three types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are usually diagnosed by early adulthood. It is caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops the body from making insulin and there is no known way to prevent it. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will have to take insulin every day. About 1 in 10 people with diabetes have type 1.
  • Type 2 diabetes. Most people with diabetes have type 2. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adulthood. With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin well, so it can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. Keeping a healthy weight and staying active can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Get tested if you have risk factors.
  • Gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes happens during pregnancy. It usually goes away after a woman’s baby is born. But it can put the baby at higher risk of health problems, like obesity as a child or teen. It also puts the both the baby and mother at higher risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes can be prevented by keeping a healthy weight and staying active.

Learn more about diabetes.

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  • Eat smart. Eating well can help manage your blood sugar, which is key for people with diabetes. This means eating healthy portions of healthy foods at the right times of day so that your blood sugar stays in check. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan.
  • Stay active. Staying active comes with lots of health benefits, including keeping a healthy weight and lowering blood sugar. This helps to prevent diabetes and manage diabetes for people who are already diagnosed. You can start slow – even small changes can make a difference.
  • Get tested. Symptoms of diabetes don’t always show up right away. It’s important to get tested if you have any risk factors. These include having pre-diabetes, being overweight, being 45 or older, not getting enough exercise and having had gestational diabetes. People who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian and native to Alaska are also at higher risk, as well as some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
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If you are diagnosed with diabetes, there are treatments and medicines available. It’s important to do and take them regularly, as directed by your doctor. 

  • Type 1 diabetes. Insulin is a must for people with type 1 diabetes because the pancreas does not make it naturally. You will need to take it multiple times a day, like when you eat or drink, to control your blood sugar level.
  • Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes, like exercise and a healthy diet, can help control type 2 diabetes. There are also medicines, including insulin, which is injected, and others that come in pill form. Your treatment may change over time.
  • Gestational diabetes. This form of diabetes is managed in the same ways as type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about a healthy eating plan. Ask what type of exercise is safe while pregnant.
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  • Virtual Diabetes Education Program by Diversity in Diabetes: A 12-week education program for people with diabetes. Six interactive discussion sessions over Zoom. Explore feelings, information and choices related to living with diabetes. Apply online.
  • Support and Tools from the American Diabetes Association: Find support and tools, like school resources, Q&A sessions, tips, information and more from the American Diabetes Association.
  • Online Support from Beyond Type 2: Share your story and connect with others impacted by type 2 diabetes. Find resources on health management, mental health and more. Request to join.
  • Download the Managing Diabetes 1-2-3 sheet (PDF) for helpful hints.
  • Download the weekly logbook (PDF) to track your blood sugar. Use this with your doctor to make a plan on how often you should check your blood sugar. You can also write down the medications you take. 
  • Diabetes symptoms can happen at any time, and quickly turn into an emergency. When a diabetic emergency occurs, you may feel confused, wobbly, sluggish, or lightheaded; you may even pass out. If this happens you may not be able to communicate to others for help. This is why a Diabetic Alert Card (PDF) is important for people living with diabetes — to alert others to your condition, and make sure you get proper medical care in a diabetic emergency. 

Visit the Krames Health Library to access thousands of health sheets on medications, conditions and more. Visit the Community Resource Database to get connected with programs and supports in your area that can help with food, shelter, education, jobs and more.