American Diabetes Association

Our Mission

Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected by diabetes. We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, deliver services to communities, provide objective and credible information, and give voice to those denied rights because of diabetes.

Activity

  • American Diabetes Association
    What is long-term care?
    Long term care is any kind of personal care provided on an extended basis for people who need help with certain activities of daily living. It can include feeding, bathing, dressing, etc., and it can be provided at home, in a community center, an assisted care facility or in a nursing home.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What are the vaccinations recommended for adults?
    By the time you reach adulthood you should have received these vaccines:
    • Td (tetanus/diphtheria)
    • Measles/Mumps/Rubella
    • IPV (polio)
    Adult booster shots:
    • Tetanus/diphtheria -- every 10 years
    • Flu vaccine -- every year for adults over 50 (and a good idea for all adults). The American Diabetes Asso
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    Does insurance or government programs cover long-term care?
    Unfortunately, long term care services are not adequately covered by most types of insurance or government programs. Medicare often covers some nursing care, but for a limited time. Medicaid steps in and pays for nursing home care only after most of your money is gone. A Certified Financial Planner...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What resources can I use to find a long-term care provider?
    Choosing the best type of care for your particular needs and finding the most appropriate care providers can be difficult and confusing. But there's lots of help available:
    • Area Agencies on Aging can provide information on all kinds of services for the elderly -- from home care and meals to legal
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    Who is eligible to receive the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC)?
    Two kinds of people are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) -- those receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) benefits or Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) benefits.

    TAA is a federal program to help workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What can I do if I can't afford diabetes test strips?
    People without health insurance can check with a local community center or clinic to see if they can obtain free or reduced-cost test strips. Unfortunately, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is not aware of any manufacturer that offers a compassionate use program for test strips.

    People with...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    Can I get health insurance coverage if I have diabetes?
    Employer sponsored group health insurance plans are not allowed to turn you down based on your health status. Some employers require newly hired employees to take and pass a physical exam (or to fill out a health questionnaire) before enrolling in health coverage.

    Individual health insurance policies,...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What is a pre-existing condition exclusion period?
    A pre-existing condition exclusion period is a period of time during which your insurer is not obligated to pay claims related to your pre-existing condition.

    A pre-existing condition is a medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    How does a pre-existing condition exclusion period work?
    A pre-existing condition exclusion period is a period of time during which your insurer is not obligated to pay claims related to your pre-existing condition.

    A pre-existing condition is a medical condition for which medical advice, diagnosis, care, or treatment was recommended or received within...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What happens during hemodialysis?
    In hemodialysis, an artificial kidney removes waste from the blood. A surgeon must first create an "access," a place where blood can easily be taken from the body and sent to the artificial kidney for cleaning. The access, usually in the forearm, can be made from the patient's own blood vessels or...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    Should I wear a hearing aid if I have a hearing problem?
    Hearing aids are getting smaller and smaller. It is unlikely anyone will notice when you are wearing them. The truth is, people are more likely to notice your hearing loss. People who don't treat their hearing problems can become depressed and try to avoid their friends. On the other hand, studies...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    How are the newer hearing aids on the market better than older ones?
    Hearing aids have changed a lot in the past few years. Instead of making all sounds louder, like the old kind, newer hearing aids are better at making what you want to hear more clear. These hearing aids also have special features. They may have automatic volume control and can reduce background...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What are the different types of diabetes?
    The term "diabetes" refers to a number of diseases, the most common being type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. In each, the body does not produce or properly use insulin -- a hormone that is needed to convert sugar starches and other food into the energy we need to live.
    • Type
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  • American Diabetes Association
    How often should I bring my baby to the doctor for a checkup?
    Your doctor will suggest a schedule for your newborn's well-baby checkups, beginning in the first or second week and again at one, two and four months. After these baby checkups, routine exams should occur quarterly from 6 through 18 months. At two years, your child should begin receiving annual...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    What types of doctors specialize in different life stages?
    In the past, most people saw a doctor only when they were sick. But we've learned that maintaining good health requires a proactive approach. Everyone at every age needs to be concerned with getting good nutrition and exercise and should see a doctor on a regular basis.

    The doctors for different life...  Full Post