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HomeMemberHelpful ToolsDiabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that happens when your body cannot use insulin the right way. Insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. If your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it well, too much sugar stays in your blood. This can cause health problems over time. People with diabetes face a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease (CKD), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and foot problems. People with diabetes can take steps to stay healthy and lower the chance of serious problems. If you or someone in your family has diabetes or was just diagnosed, Fidelis Care can help.



Identifying the Types of Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes, each with different causes, but they all share the common problem of having too much sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream. Select a class in the dropdown to learn more.

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Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes are usually diagnosed as children or adolescents, and depend on insulin therapy and other treatments to make up for the lack of insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas makes some insulin, but it’s not enough to meet the body’s needs. People with Type 2 diabetes are usually diagnosed as adults and are not dependent on insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes can occur in pregnant women. While it doesn’t mean a woman had diabetes before pregnancy or will have diabetes after birth, her doctor’s advice should be followed to remain healthy.
Prediabetes

Prediabetes means you have a higher than normal blood sugar level.  Unmanaged prediabetes can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes doesn’t always have symptoms, so it’s crucial to get blood sugar levels tested, especially if you’re at high risk. Losing weight, exercising regularly and healthy eating habits can reverse prediabetes and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Other Types of Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about 2% of people have rarer types of diabetes. Including MODY, LADA, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, and diabetes caused by rare syndromes.

  • MODY ➤ MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is caused by a mutation in a single gene. If a parent has this gene mutation, any child they have, has a 50% chance of inheriting it from them. If a child does inherit the mutation, the symptoms of MODY are often established before the age of 25, regardless of their weight or lifestyle.  It’s estimated that 90% of those diagnosed with MODY are mistakenly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at first.

  • LADA  ➤ LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) is a type of diabetes which straddles type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The symptoms reported of this variant correspond with each Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which is why some people call it type 1.5 diabetes or type 1 ½ diabetes. Whereas being overweight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, people with LADA tend to have a healthy weight.

  • CFRD ➤ CFRD (Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes) is a type of diabetes that is unique to children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). The accumulation of sticky mucus caused by CF can sometimes lead to inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. This can damage the cells that produce insulin, leading to high blood glucose (sugar) levels. When the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels may continue to rise and develop into CFRD.



Managing Diabetes

Controlling your diabetes starts with understanding your body. Regular doctor visits and testing are important ways to stay healthy, make informed decisions, and prevent serious complications.

Recommended tests for diabetes management include:

A1C Blood Sugar - At least twice per year

This blood test measures the average amount of blood sugar in a 2-3-month period. A result below 7 percent helps lower your risk of eye, nerve, and kidney damage. 

LDL Cholesterol - At least once per year

This blood test measures “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels in the blood. A result below 100 mg/dL helps lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.  

Kidney Damage - At least once per year

This urine test measures how well kidneys work. The test works by measuring protein in urine, a sign of kidney damage, which can happen if diabetes is not managed. Kidney damage can result in kidney failure and the need for dialysis. 

Eye Exam - At least once per year

A retinal or dilated eye exam by an eye care professional is recommended for people who have diabetes. The eye exam checks the nerves and small blood vessels of your eyes for damage caused by diabetes. This test should be done once a year even if your eyesight seems normal. If left undetected, this damage can lead to blindness.  

Care Management

Fidelis Care offers Care Management services to support members who need extra help with their health. These services help members manage their care, understand their health conditions, and connect with local resources

Learn More


Living with Diabetes

Taking care of your diabetes helps you live a healthy and active life. When you learn how to check and control your blood sugar, make smart choices about food and exercise, and follow your doctor’s advice, you can prevent problems and improve your overall health.

Healthy Eating
A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber supports stable blood sugar and overall health.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Medication Adherence
Taking insulin or oral medications as prescribed is vital to maintaining blood glucose within your target range.
Regular Checkups
Routine visits with your healthcare provider help catch potential issues early and ensure your treatment plan stays on track.  To search for a medical professional, service, or facility in the Fidelis Care Network, use our Find a Doctor tool.
Monitoring Blood Glucose

Regular testing helps track your blood sugar levels and identify patterns, making it easier to adjust meals, medication, and activity. For guidance on blood sugar targets for diabetes types and time of day, view our "Recommended Blood Sugar Targets," below. Talk to your provider and diabetes educator about the best goals for you.

Recommended Blood Sugar Targets

For people with type 1 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that blood sugar targets be based on a person's needs and goals, including whether they are pregnant. Talk to your provider and diabetes educator about the best goals for you. 

General guidelines are:

Before meals, your blood sugar should be:

  • From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for adults
  • From 90 to 130 mg/dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol/L) for children, 13 to 19 years old
  • From 90 to 180 mg/dL (5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children, 6 to 12 years old
  • From 100 to 180 mg/dL (5.5 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children under 6 years old

After meals (1 to 2 hours after eating), your blood sugar should be:

  • Less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) for adults

At bedtime, your blood sugar should be:

  • From 90 to 150 mg/dL (5.0 to 8.3 mmol/L) for adults
  • From 90 to 150 mg/dL (5.0 to 8.3 mmol/L) for children, 13 to 19 years old
  • From 100 to 180 mg/dL (5.5 to 10.0 mmol/L) for children, 6 to 12 years old
  • From 110 to 200 mg/dL (6.1 to 11.1 mmol/L) for children under 6 years old

For people with type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association also recommends that blood sugar targets be individualized. Talk to your provider and diabetes educator about the best goals for you. 

General guidelines are:

Before meals, your blood sugar should be:

  • From 80 to 130 mg/dL (4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L) for adults

After meals (1 to 2 hours after eating), your blood sugar should be:

  • Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) for adults

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Obesity and Diabetes

Being overweight or having obesity can make it more difficult to manage your diabetes and may compound into additional health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. If you are overweight and have diabetes, adopting a healthy eating plan with fewer calories and more physical activity often will lower your blood glucose levels and reduce your need for medicines.

 

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How Obesity Affects Diabetes

Obesity-and-Diabetes

Diabetes & Heart Disease

According to the National Institute of and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease. People with diabetes are also more likely to have certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, that increase their chances of having a heart attack or a stroke.  Learn more below:

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What is the connection between diabetes and heart disease?
  • High blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this damage can potentially lead to heart disease.

  • People with diabetes also tend to develop heart disease at a younger age than people without diabetes. In fact, adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke as adults without diabetes.

  • The good news is that the steps you take to control your diabetes also help lower your chances of developing heart disease.
What other factors increase my chances of heart disease if I have diabetes?
  • Smoking ➤ Smoking raises your risk of developing heart disease.  If you have diabetes, it is important to stop smoking, because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels.  

  • High blood pressure ➤ If you have high blood pressure, your heart has to pump harder to circulate blood. High blood pressure can strain your heart, damage blood vessels, and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Consider having your blood pressure checked regularly, and work with your doctor to regulate or lower high blood pressure.

  • Harmful cholesterol levels ➤ Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by your liver. You have two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can build up and clog your blood vessels. HDL, sometimes referred to as the “good cholesterol.” Higher levels of HDL is linked to lower risk for heart disease and stroke. To improve LDL and HDL balance, try to limit the amount of fat in your eating plan, consume more plant-based foods, and get regular physical activity.

  • Family history of heart disease ➤ Unfortunately, a family history of heart disease may add to your chances of developing the condition. If one or more of your family members had a heart attack before the age of 50, you have double the chance of developing heart disease, compared with diabetics who have no family history of the disease.  


Testing for Diabetes

Common Tests to Determine and Monitor Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prediabetes

If diagnosed, your doctor will have you take one or more of the following blood tests:

A1C Test

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months.  

  • An A1C below 5.7% is normal
  • An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes
  • An A1C 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This test measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. You’ll be asked to fast overnight before the test and have your blood drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink the liquid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours afterward. 

At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of.... 

  • 140 mg/dL or lower is considered normal
  • 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes
  • 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This test measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast. 

A fasting blood sugar level of...

  • 99 mg/dL or lower is normal
  • 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes
  • 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You can take this test at any time and don’t need to fast prior to your appointment. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.

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What Does Insulin Do?

Insulin allows the cells in the muscles, fat and liver to absorb glucose that is in the blood. The glucose serves as energy to these cells, or it can be converted into fat when needed. Insulin also affects other metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of fat or protein.  Learn more below:

How is insulin created?

Insulin is a hormone created by your pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in your bloodstream at any given moment. It also helps store glucose in your liver, fat, and muscles. In addition, insulin balances your body’s metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

What happens with insulin when you eat?

When you eat, your blood glucose levels elevate, and this leads a typical person’s pancreas to release insulin, so that the sugar can be stored as energy for later use. Without this pancreatic ability, as a person with either type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes, one's blood sugar levels may rise dangerously high, or drop too low.

What happens when insulin no longer works?

Without proper insulin function, your body can’t store glucose in your muscles or liver, but neither can it make any fat.  Instead, the fat breaks down and produces, among other things, keto acids.  If the acid levels grow too high, the imbalance can trigger diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition if not treated immediately.

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More on Diabetes

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Ketoacidosis

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem that can occur with diabetes.

Read This Article


Women’s History Month 2025: Impactful Fidelis Care Partners Move Us Forward Together
3/3/2025 • Posted by Fidelis Care in In The Community

During Women’s History Month, Fidelis Care is pleased to recognize our 2025 Women of Impact. They serve our communities through education and inspiration. We salute these providers and community partners for making a difference every day. Their work keeps us moving forward together.

Chavon Bunch

Chavon Bunch
Executive Director, Southside Community Center

Chavon Bunch leads Southside Community Center, which works to affirm, empower, and foster the development of self-pride among African American citizens of greater Ithaca. Programming at Southside Community Center includes youth and educational services, a food pantry, pet care clinics, bicycle services, performing arts, and culturally significant events and celebrations that honor the historic, present, and future lives of Black people. Chavon has worked in partnership with Fidelis Care on employment fairs, after-school programs, and food distributions.

Laura Combs

Laura Combs, LCSW, CASAC, CPP
Executive Director, New Choices Recovery Center

Laura Combs has served at New Choices Recovery Center in Schenectady for more than 20 years in various capacities, currently as executive director. She leads a team of counselors, peers, and administrators who compassionately and diligently provide prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Laura has served on several community boards including Community Fathers. Laura works closely with the Fidelis Care Community Relations team to assist New Choices clients in enrolling for health insurance.

Caroline Feasler

Caroline Feasler
Family Center Director, Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County

Caroline Feasler’s work centers on delivering critical support services, combating food insecurity, and fostering employment and educational preparedness. A significant highlight of her career is the successful implementation of CAPC’s Mobile Food Pantry program. This initiative has brought much-needed fresh produce and essential food items to underserved rural communities. Fidelis Care has supported CAPC food insecurity programs through donations and by connecting with individuals at pantry sites to assess their healthcare needs.


Meghan Gough
Meghan Gough
Membership and Aquatics Director, Northeast Bronx YMCA

Meghan Gough is the liaison between the YMCA and Northeast Bronx community. In addition to her role at the YMCA, Meghan also coordinates food distribution events, develops chef-led food equity classes, and oversees a summer camp program for children capped off with a back-to-school event. Meghan and the YMCA have partnered with Fidelis Care for health insurance information and enrollment events.


Christine Hein

Christine Hein
Executive Director, People’s Place

Christine Hein is currently the Executive Director of People’s Place, a 52-year-old not-for-profit located in Kingston and serving all of Ulster County. She has been an advocate for food security for more than 12 years and during that time has expanded the agency from four programs to 22, serving 1.5 million meals. In 2024, People’s Place acted as a social safety net to over 10,000 households in Ulster County. Christine collaborates with Fidelis Care to provide weekly food distributions and health insurance information and assistance.


Shannon John

Shannon John
Founder, Calming Nature Doula Center and Services

Shannon John is a passionate advocate for empowering women through their birth experiences. In addition to her certification as a doula, Shannon has pursued extensive training, becoming a childbirth educator and certified lactation counselor, equipping her with the knowledge to provide evidence-based education and support. Shannon collaborates with Fidelis Care’s BabyCare program and maternal health focus to ensure expectant mothers in the Buffalo region receive the best care, guidance, and support throughout their pregnancies.


Bharati Sukul Kemraj

Bharati Sukul Kemraj
Founder and CEO, Bharati Foundation

Bharati Sukul Kemraj leads the Bharati Foundation, established in 2014, and originating from the Vishnu Mandir Hindi Temple in the Bronx. She actively engages with the underserved and underrepresented, arranging impactful events that focus on critical issues such as health equity, food security, and the enrichment of community and culture. The Bharati Foundation works with Fidelis Care to elevate well-being through community and health insurance information and enrollment events.


Evelyn Kormanik

Evelyn Kormanik
Staten Island Giving Circle Founder

Evelyn Kormanik founded the Staten Island Giving Circle in 2008. The organization started with 24 people and has blossomed into a strong service outreach endeavor with more than 1,200 interested activists serving populations in need of financial or hands-on assistance. Staten Island Giving Circle initiatives include Adopt-a-Pantry, school enrichment and literacy programs, and Junior Giving Circles. Evelyn works with Fidelis Care representatives to share health insurance information with children, seniors, military veterans, and the homeless population.


Anita Lewis

Anita Lewis
Chief Development Officer, Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties

Anita Lewis oversees five key areas that enrich the lives of those served by the Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties. These include literacy, job training, after-school care, Ernie Davis Community Center, and family support programs. Anita also serves on the boards of The Arc of Chemung/Schuyler, Bethany Village, and Southern Tier Regional Planning Committee. She works closely with Fidelis Care to plan collaborative community events focused on health and wellness.


Marisol Mancebo

Marisol Mancebo
Executive Director, Yonkers Police Athletic League

Following her arrival in the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1992, and a long career with the YMCA in Yonkers, Marisol Mancebo now leads the Yonkers Police Athletic League. The foundation's sports and recreation programs keep young people engaged in positive youth development activities and reinforce the concepts of discipline, leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Marisol works with Fidelis Care community representatives to share health insurance information with those served by the Yonkers PAL.


Carmen Maquilon

Carmen Maquilon
Director, Catholic Charities of Long Island

During her 20-plus year tenure at Catholic Charities, Carmen Maquilon has been responsible for directing legal and social services for the immigrant community of Long Island. Carmen has led a team of immigration attorneys, accredited representatives, and resettlement case managers in providing legal representation and social services to individuals. Carmen is a board member of the New York Immigration Coalition and a fully accredited representative with the Department of Justice. She works with Fidelis Care representatives to share health insurance information with those served by Catholic Charities.


Mault and Connors

Anita Mault and Patricia Connors
Managers, Brockport Area Veterans Club

Anita Mault and Patricia Connors are both full-time volunteers at the Brockport Area Veterans Club. Patti retired in 2010 from the New York State Department of Health as a Health Program Administrator and Anita retired in 2019 as an M&T Bank Manager.  Since their retirement, they have volunteered to help veterans and families in the Brockport area community. With Anita and Patti’s guidance, the Brockport Area Veterans Club hosted a Fidelis Care Veggies to Go event in 2024, with another one being planned there for 2025.


Yvonne Rieckhoff

Yvonne Rieckhoff
Administrative Assistant, Oswego Health

After losing most of her eyesight in a car accident, Yvonne Rieckhoff started teaching English online and moved to Oswego, where she volunteers with the Oswego Health Foundation, helping edit grant applications and serving on the Employee Giving Campaign Committee. Yvonne transitioned into her current role as Administrative Assistant in the Quality Department for Oswego Health Medical Practice, where she works closely and collaboratively with industry partners such as Fidelis Care to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care.


Estefany Ruiz

Estefany Ruiz
Program Coordinator, Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs

Estefany Ruiz works in collaboration with government entities, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to ensure the Hispanic community's access to vital resources and initiatives. An impassioned advocate of equality and active participation, Estefany's role is pivotal in bridging the gap between the community and government services, especially for individuals facing adversity. She works closely with Fidelis Care representative to share health insurance information with the Latino community.


Jacqueline Sweeney

Jacqueline Sweeney
Executive Director, Community Health Workers Association of Rochester

Since her retirement from the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Baby Love maternal health program in 2022, Jacqueline Sweeney has dedicated her time establishing CHWAR’s official training course. Jacqueline plays a pivotal role in preparing community members as frontline public health workers. She serves on the Parents as Teachers Advisory Committee and the Town of Irondequoit’s ICARE Program on Racial Equity. Jacqueline works with Fidelis Care’s Community Relations team to provide training on how the NY State of Health Marketplace works, through a “101-style” course.


Jill Teeter

Jill Teeter
Executive Director and CEO, Tioga County Boys & Girls Club

Jill Teeter leads Tioga County Boys & Girls Club with passion and dedication to empowering youth. Beyond her role at the Boys & Girls Club, Jill has spent her 25-year career in the nonprofit sector of Tioga County. She actively advocates for community engagement, volunteerism, and nonprofit leadership, serving on The Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation Board and working to assist local not-for-profits with grant writing and applications. Jill has worked with Fidelis Care on collaborative community events, including a Veggies to Go that served 125 families.


Ilze Thielman

Ilze Thielmann
Director, Team TLC NYC

Ilze Thielmann leads Team TLC NYC, an all-volunteer organization affiliated with Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responded, Inc., which has greeted and assisted asylum seekers arriving in New York City for more than five years. Under Ilze's leadership, TLC has grown from a group of about 10 active volunteers to a roster of more than 2,000. Ilze and her team have assisted tens of thousands of new arrivals in New York to obtain legal assistance, clothing and supplies, food, transportation, and healthcare. She works with Fidelis Care to provide health insurance information.


Sara Vacin

Sara Vacin
Executive Director, GLOW OUT!

Sara Vacin leads GLOW OUT!, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals across Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. Sara has developed numerous programs, including Safe Zone training, LGBTQ+ youth leadership initiatives, intergenerational events, after-school programming, and a suicide prevention conference. Sara works closely with Fidelis Care in planning events for Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Health Week.


Robin Williams

Robin Williams
Middletown Town Council Member

Robin Williams is a driving force in Middletown, dedicated to improving the lives of those around her. She has led the charge in establishing a local satellite resource office, which will provide easier access to essential community organizations for the residents of southeastern Delaware County. Along with her work on the Middletown Town Board, Robin is an independent insurance agent offering Medicare educational sessions and working with Fidelis Care to connect community members in need of health insurance.