Tips to Help Better Manage and Improve Type 2 Diabetes Care for Pennsylvania Residents

Diabetes is a nationwide epidemic with a serious impact on Pennsylvania residents, according to the American Diabetes Association.¹

Over 38 million Americans live with diabetes, and about 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes, while another nearly 98 million have prediabetes.^2,3 Yet many people are unaware they have the condition.³

According to the American Diabetes Association, 1,145,000 adults in Pennsylvania have diabetes.⁴ Direct costs in medical expenses and indirect cost in lost productivity amounted to nearly $12.8 billion for Pennslyvania.⁴

Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by lifestyle factors. Some of the most important risk factors to be aware of are obesity, which affects 33.4% of Pennsylvania residents,⁴ and physical inactivity.² 22.5% of Pennsylvania residents are classified as physically inactive.⁵

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the inability to regulate insulin, which results in high blood glucose levels. Here is some important information to consider to help better manage and potentially improve your type 2 diabetes.

1. Focus on a healthy diet and exercise: It is important to maintain an active lifestyle and include lean proteins such as chicken, fish or turkey in your diet.⁶Eating nutrient-rich vegetables such as broccoli, green beans and carrots, along with a balanced portion of carbohydrates like brown rice, pasta or sweet potatoes, can enhance your overall well-being. It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking and at least two days a week participate in muscle-strengthening activities.⁷ This exercise can assist in reducing sudden increases in blood sugar levels.

2. Monitor blood glucose levels: Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels may be important for individuals with diabetes.⁸ Utilizing a continuous glucose monitor is often highly recommended. Many people now have access to a variety of wellness programs and technologies, including virtual care options, through their health plans and employers. Talk to your employer about programs that may be available to you to help manage and even improve your type 2 diabetes like UnitedHealthcare’s Level2 program.

3. Manage stress: Managing stress levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes since prolonged stress releases hormones that can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.⁹ That is why it is important to incorporate effective stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or even regular walks, which can also potentially lower blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes who sleep poorly may have more insulin resistance and trouble regulating their blood sugar.¹⁰ Sleep management can lower blood sugar, boost energy, reduce stress and improve mood throughout the day.

4. Talk with your doctor about medications: When diet and exercise are not enough, it could be beneficial to consider medication to regulate blood glucose levels. While insulin is generally required for individuals with type 1 diabetes, a range of other medication options are available for individuals with type 2 diabetes, including GLP-1s.¹¹ While GLP-1 drugs are currently a trending topic among diabetes solutions, pairing FDA approved GLP-1 drugs with a solution like Level2 may be a win-win strategy for employers and employees. Self-insured employers may see more optimized value from the combination of these medications when used in tandem with a solution like the Level2 program. 

For people with diabetes, it is crucial to understand the factors that can impact blood glucose levels. Adopting a nutrient-rich diet, engaging in consistent physical activity, and reducing stress can assist in living better with type 2 diabetes.

Footnotes

¹ American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/index.html

⁴ American Diabetes Association, 2024, https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/statistics/by-state

⁵ America’s Health Rankings, 2023, https://assets.americashealthrankings.org/app/uploads/allstatesummaries-ahr23.pdf

⁶ American Heart Association, 2024, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/prevention–treatment-of-diabetes/living-healthy-with-diabetes

⁷ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/index.html

⁸ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2023, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes#glucose

⁹ Mayo Clinic, 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963

¹⁰ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/the-impact-of-poor-sleep-on-type-2-diabetes

¹¹ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments

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