November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and a great time to get screened to assess your risk for diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States. A chronic health condition is a long-lasting health condition that affects your quality of life and often requires special treatment.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 37 million people in the United States have diabetes, 96 million are pre-diabetic and 1 in 4 adults have diabetes but don’t know they have it.

Whether you already have diabetes or have undiagnosed health concerns, you’re not alone! Getting help is important and you don’t have to wait before seeking support and guidance.

Although diabetes is a complex condition, if you are a covered caregiver with SEIU 775 Benefits Group , you have access to a dedicated care team that can help you manage it. Additionally, your health plan offers solutions to address your condition and adjust your lifestyle.

There are 3 ways to start taking control of your health and wellness using your health plan:

1. See your doctor for free. Primary care doctors and dentists provide preventive care, like regular check-ups and health screenings. They can also refer you to specialists and programs for condition-specific care, like diabetes. Learn how to make a free appointment with a primary care doctor today.

2. Live well with diabetes. An important part of managing diabetes is by making healthy lifestyle choices. There are many educational resources available through your health plan to help you live well and feel more in control. See the diabetes resources available on your plan:

• KPWA and KPNW: Diabetes | Kaiser Permanente
• Aetna: Living Well With Diabetes: Resources & Support | Aetna

3. Connect with a wellness coach to assist with lifestyle changes. Wellness coaching is available to all caregivers enrolled in healthcare coverage, regardless of health plan. A wellness coach can help you set goals and stick to them, eat healthier, reduce stress, manage your weight and more. Learn more about wellness coaching.

Remember, these benefits are in addition to the many professional support and emotional health benefits available to caregivers on both the Kaiser Permanente and Aetna health plans. If you are unsure which health plan you have or want to learn how to enroll in coverage, find out here.