Understood Care
Diabetes touches every part of your day. It can shape your energy, mood, food choices, medication routine, and safety at home and on the go. If you want a single place to start, we built a simple overview that explains how diabetes can affect daily life and how an advocate can guide you through it. Read more at https://understoodcare.com/care-types/diabetes
Our goal is to translate medical guidance into everyday steps you can actually use. Everything below is grounded in trusted clinical sources and reflects current guidance on diagnosis, targets, monitoring, nutrition, activity, devices, and Medicare coverage.
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal yet not in the diabetes range. The A1C test reflects average blood sugar over about three months. Most health organizations define prediabetes as an A1C of 5.7 to 6.4 percent. If you have prediabetes, you will usually repeat testing at least once a year. Your clinician may check sooner if you are changing weight, diet, activity, or medicines.
What to aim for:
How an advocate helps:
Type 2 diabetes is common and very manageable with the right plan. Most adults get an A1C test at least twice a year if stable and every three months when treatment changes or if targets are not met. Targets are personalized. Many adults aim for an A1C below 7 percent, while some may use slightly higher or lower targets based on age, other conditions, and risk of low blood sugar.
What to aim for:
How an advocate helps:
Type 1 diabetes requires insulin and frequent monitoring. Many people use continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, or hybrid closed loop systems. Your team will individualize A1C targets and time in range goals while prioritizing safety.
What to aim for:
How an advocate helps:
A1C shows your average levels for the past two to three months. Most people with diabetes check at least twice a year. Many check every three months when changing treatment or if goals are not met. People with prediabetes usually test yearly.
Finger stick meters and CGMs are both useful. Finger sticks show a point in time. CGMs give a flow of data, trend arrows, and alerts. For people who use insulin, CGM can help you prevent lows and adjust more confidently. Your care team can help you choose the right tool for your routine and budget.
How an advocate helps:
You do not need a special menu. You do need a repeatable plan. Many people do best with a simple plate method. Fill half the plate with non starchy vegetables. Add a lean protein. Add a modest portion of healthy carbohydrates such as beans, whole grains, or fruit. Pair carbohydrates with protein and fiber to smooth out glucose spikes. Aim for steady meal timing to match your medicines or insulin.
Regular movement improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. Most adults aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week plus strength work two to three days a week. Short walks after meals can help. Start where you are. Even five to ten minutes counts.
Poor sleep and high stress can raise glucose. Keep a regular bedtime. Limit late caffeine. Try brief breathing or stretching sessions during the day. Small consistent changes often work better than big swings.
How an advocate helps:
Your clinician may prescribe metformin, GLP 1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, basal insulin, or other medicines. These medicines work in different ways and many have heart and kidney benefits. Side effects are manageable for most people with the right plan.
Some people with type 2 and nearly all with type 1 will use insulin. Pumps and automated insulin delivery systems can reduce highs and lows when used correctly. Training and follow up are essential.
Know the signs of low blood sugar. Shaking, sweating, confusion, or feeling lightheaded. Keep quick sugar on hand. If you use insulin or certain pills, ask about a glucagon rescue kit. CGM alerts can add a safety net.
How an advocate helps:
Part B covers blood glucose meters and testing supplies for people with diabetes. Typical amounts are every three months. Up to 300 test strips and 300 lancets if you use insulin and up to 100 if you do not. Your clinician can document medical need for more frequent testing if required. Part B may also cover continuous glucose monitors when you take insulin or you have a documented history of problematic low blood sugar. Coverage policies can change. Always confirm current criteria when ordering.
Under current law, a one month supply of each covered insulin under Part B or Part D is capped at 35 dollars. You do not pay a deductible for insulin. In 2025, Part D out of pocket drug costs are capped at 2000 dollars across the year. These rules can significantly lower costs for many people.
Medicare Part B covers diabetes self management training. You may receive up to ten hours the first year and up to two hours in each year after that. Many programs are available by telehealth.
How an advocate helps
The video highlights the exact services advocates provide and how they fit with clinical guidance.
If you want help weaving all of this into one plan, visithttps://understoodcare.com/care-types/diabetes and connect with an advocate who can explain your diagnosis, organize your care, cut costs, and plan next steps with you.
An advocate can help you get the right visit fast and bring your most recent numbers and priorities to that visit so you get answers in fewer steps.
This content is educational and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.
We know navigating Medicare and care needs can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our caring team takes care of the paperwork, claims, and home care so you’re always supported.
