The Fidelis Care Blog

In observance of National Diabetes Month this November, Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan serving more than 2.3 million members, is focused on helping those with diabetes enjoy the upcoming holiday meals and traditions while managing their disease. While temptations and sweet treats may abound this time of year, some strategic meal planning and sticking to a game plan can make the holidays a less stressful time  for the 1.6 million New Yorkers living with diabetes.

Fidelis Care announced today a partnership with God’s Love We Deliver, the New York City metropolitan area’s leading provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for people living with severe illness. Select clinical partners and primary care providers will refer eligible Fidelis Care members with chronic health conditions to receive home-delivered meals from God’s Love We Deliver free of cost, regardless of income. 

Chances are that you know someone with diabetes who has developed a long term complication of the disease, like heart disease, stroke, impaired vision or blindness, kidney failure, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, foot problems, skin infections, and/or sexual problems. 

Glucose (sugar) is your body's normal source of energy. When the body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose the right way for fuel, it starts to break down fat for energy. Burning a lot of fat very quickly causes a buildup of acids, called ketones, which can become toxic to many of the body's key functions. When ketone levels become too high, it can lead to a severe, and potentially life-threatening condition, called diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA.

Diabetes affects 34.2 million Americans - that’s over 1 in 10 people. But, 1 in every 5 people with diabetes don’t even know they have it.