Self-managing diabetes is easier with the right information. Use this Diabetes Toolkit to help manage your diabetes.
The information on this page is also available in writing by calling Unity Customer Service at 800-362-3310.
General Information
Diabetes and Depression
Diabetes and Pregnancy
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Foot Care
Nutrition and Diabetes
Recipe Links
DiabetesLocal.org is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Diabetes Prevention and Control Program and the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation. It lists state and local resources.
The Diabetes Self-Management Information and Record Booklet from DHS is a diabetes information and record-keeping tool.
The Personal Diabetes Care Record Wallet Card from DHS is a two-sided card for you to record your medical information.
Order and wear a free Medical Alert Necklace to let people know you need your blood tested before receiving treatment in a medical emergency. The necklace is made of nickel. See what the necklace looks like and read about the importance of wearing a medical alert necklace.
Find out how your blood sugar level is affected by what you eat, how active you are and how you feel. Use a food log to record this information.
Use the Blood Sugar Booklet from the Wisconsin Diabetes Prevention and Control Program to track your blood sugars.
Locate resources for identifying and managing depression on Unity's Behavioral Health Programs page.
Planning to get pregnant when you have diabetes
Women with diabetes are strongly urged to reach their goal blood sugar level before becoming pregnant. This is because high blood sugars can increase the risk of a miscarriage or birth defects in the baby. The likelihood of birth defects and other problems is much less for women who have maintained their blood sugar in their target range before becoming pregnant and during their pregnancy than those who did not.
The decision to become pregnant when you have diabetes can be difficult when there are so many things to consider. For help in thinking about what to do, work through the health tool Diabetes: Should I get pregnant? to check if your body is ready.
If you are planning to start your family, remember to discuss your decision with your doctor or nurse right away.
Visit Unity’s planning to have a baby webpage to learn more.
Gestational Diabetes
About 3 to 5 percent of all pregnant women get this form of diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes happens when the body doesn't make enough insulin and resists the action of insulin because of the pregnancy hormones. The condition develops about midway through the pregnancy. Although most women with this condition are treated with diet, some women may need medicine or insulin.
Gestational diabetes usually ends when the baby is born. Some women who have gestational diabetes may go on to develop diabetes when they get older. Some studies have reported that almost 40 percent of women who have gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes. So, if you have had gestational diabetes, you need to see your doctor every year and ask to be screened for type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes usually doesn't cause birth defects, but one problem is the possibility of having a baby that is larger than normal. There is also the risk that the baby might have low blood sugar right after birth.
Unity also offers its members extra support through pregnancy through its 9 Months & More Program. For more information, call 608-821-4907 or toll free 866-884-4601 ext. 54907 or email 9months@unityhealth.com.
View a diagram of the eye and learn more about diabetes retinopathy from Unity's Health Topics.
From the National Eye Institute, learn what diabetic retinopathy is, who is at risk and what the causes and risk factors are.
Take the Dilated Eye Exam Consultation Form from DHS to your next dilated eye exam. Ask your eye care professional (ophthalmologist or optometrist) to record the results of your exam and share it with you and your Primary Care Physician.
Watch the Lion's Club videos, Diabetic Retinopathy (9 minutes) and Dilated Eye Exam (9 minutes) for information about the importance of taking care of your diabetes and your eyes.
Read How diabetes causes foot problems in Unity's Health Topics.
Learn more about Foot Care for People with Diabetes in Unity's Health Topics.
View Take Care of Your Feet for a Lifetime from the National Diabetes Education Program.
Learn more about Carbohydrate Counting Basics from Unity's Health Topics.
Check out other options in nutrition and health.
Join a class in the Madison area presented by certified Diabetes educators.
Find out more about rating your plate from Unity's Health Topics and the American Diabetes Association.
Access free web-based tools for tracking what you eat at The Daily Plate.
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
The resources listed above are available for educational purposes only. Always consult your health care practitioner about your specific care.
