Diabetes and Your Diet
April 29, 2025
When it comes to your health, you may need a little help. That’s really true when you are facing diabetes — or the chances of getting it. Healthy Blue is here for you. We can help you understand how diabetes works. Plus, we have many resources to help you manage it — or even lower your risk.
Let’s start with the basics. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin the right way.
Insulin is a hormone the pancreas makes. It helps control blood sugar levels. When your body builds up a tolerance to insulin, the hormone can’t do its job the way it should. This is called insulin resistance.
When that happens, the pancreas must work harder. This is called pancreatic overload. Over time — even as the pancreas works harder and harder — the body cannot make enough insulin. This leads to high blood sugar and Type 2 diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), scientists are starting to figure out how insulin resistance starts. One thing is for sure: Lifestyle can play a role. Poor diet and a lack of exercise can cause weight gain, leading to obesity.
People with obesity — especially those who have excess fat around the stomach area — are at a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Obesity can also cause chronic inflammation, which can add to insulin resistance.
But there is good news. We all know that a healthy diet and regular physical activity can improve our overall health. They’re also key to lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
So don’t take chances. Find ways to get more active and eat smarter. Visit the ADA’s website for tips on how to lose weight to help you get started. You can also read lots of health info on our website that can help you manage your health.
You can also use your Healthy Blue membership to get hands-on help. Our highly trained coaches and diabetes educators are here for you. You can even work with a registered dietitian. You will learn how to cook healthy and eat healthy. You’ll get tips tailored just for you on how to improve your diet. You can also get three food boxes with nutritious fresh and shelf-stable groceries. All these things plus other resources will help you start or keep going on your healthy eating journey.
Learn more about our care management programs. We have many that can help you manage diabetes and other related concerns. Or call 866-781-5094 (TTY: 866-773-9634) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
This page contains links to third-party websites. Those organizations are solely responsible for the contents and privacy policies on their sites.
The American Diabetes Association is an independent organization that offers health information you may find helpful.
If your primary language is not English, language services are available to you free of charge. Call Customer Service at 866-781-5094 (TTY: 866-773-9634) Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.