Diabetes in Arizona: Managing Your Health with Medicare Support

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Whether you are managing diabetes or wondering about your risk, your AZ Blue benefits and care team can help you take the next step.

Maybe diabetes is something you manage every day. Maybe it runs in your family or a recent lab result has you wondering what comes next.

Wherever you are, knowing your numbers can help you make informed choices about your health.

According to Arizona’s latest statewide Diabetes Action Plan and Report, more than 615,000 Arizona adults are living with diabetes and nearly 2 million have prediabetes. Close to 90% of Arizonans with prediabetes do not know they have it.

That is why regular checkups and recommended screenings matter, even when you feel well.

What to know:

• An A1C test can help identify prediabetes or diabetes.
• Regular care can help prevent or delay serious diabetes-related health problems.

Could you have prediabetes and not know it?

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. It often has no clear symptoms, so you may not know you have it without a blood test.

Your risk may be higher if diabetes runs in your family, you are 45 or older, you have had gestational diabetes, or you are not regularly physically active. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your personal risk.

Ask whether an A1C test should be part of your next appointment. This simple blood test measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months and can help identify prediabetes or diabetes.

If you need a primary care provider, log in to your AZ Blue member portal and use the Find a Doctor tool to search for an in-network provider.

What if you are diagnosed with diabetes?

A diabetes diagnosis can bring a lot of information at once. You may need to learn about blood sugar, medications, nutrition, appointments, and changes to your daily routine.

Start with your healthcare team. Depending on your needs, your team may include a primary care provider, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or endocrinologist. They can help you understand your diagnosis, create a care plan, and decide which screenings you need.

Your health plan may also cover visits with a registered dietitian or other diabetes-related services. Coverage varies by plan, so review your benefits in the AZ Blue member portal or call the number on the back of your member ID card.

Why does managing diabetes matter?

Diabetes can affect much more than blood sugar. Over time, it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.

• 2x higher risk: People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke as people without diabetes.
• $1 out of $4: Of healthcare costs are spent caring for people with diabetes.
• 2,440 Arizona deaths: The state’s newest available vital statistics recorded approximately 2,440 deaths from diabetes in 2024.

Early detection and ongoing care can make a difference. Keeping appointments and managing your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help lower the risk of complications.

Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented. Type 2 diabetes is different. While some risk factors cannot be changed, healthy habits may help prevent or delay it.

Current CDC guidance shows that lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than 50% among people at high risk.

This does not require changing everything at once. Start with a step that feels realistic, such as taking a walk after dinner, adding more vegetables to a meal, or scheduling the appointment you have been putting off. Your healthcare provider can help you choose changes that fit your health needs and daily life.

How can AZ Blue support you?

Managing diabetes can feel like a lot to handle. Your AZ Blue plan may include resources that can make it easier to understand your condition and stay on track. Learn more about diabetes here.

Whether you are concerned about your risk or already managing diabetes, you do not have to wait for your next annual visit to ask for help. Contact your healthcare provider, log in to your member portal, or call the number on the back of your AZ Blue member ID card to get started.