Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Feeling more tired
Blurry vision
Unexplained weight loss
(More often in type 1 diabetes)
Tingling, pain or numbness
(More often in type 2 diabetes)
Fruity smelling breath
Moodiness/
restlessness
Trusted
diabetes care
Looking for ways to manage your or a loved one’s diabetes? Early prevention and management begins at home. That’s why we’re with you every step of the way with education, tools, products and services to help you stay on track.
Diabetes overview
Living your best life
If you’re living with diabetes, you’re not alone. Nearly 37.3 million people in the U.S. are living with the condition, but new treatments, tools and lifestyle changes can help you manage diabetes and live life to the fullest.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes opens in a new tab refers to a group of conditions that affects how the body uses sugar in your blood (glucose) and causes it to rise to higher-than-normal levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into the cells, where it’s used for energy. Diabetes develops when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or when it can’t use insulin properly. Without enough Insulin, sugar stays in the blood and rises to unsafe levels, which can lead to serious health complications if not controlled.
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are four different types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes opens in a new tab and gestational diabetes opens in a new tab.
What are the causes and risk factors of diabetes?
The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it’s believed to arise when a problem in the immune system causes immune cells to attack the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Having a family history of type 1 diabetes puts people at higher risk of developing the disease. Environmental factors, such as viruses, also might trigger the immune system response.
Several factors seem to contribute to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes opens in a new tab, including: having prediabetes, being overweight, being 45 years or older, having a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes, being physically active less than three times a week, having had gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 lb., having polycystic ovary syndrome, and being African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk).
What should my blood glucose (sugar) level be?
General blood glucose (sugar) targets for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes are listed below. You should always consult with your healthcare provider for your individualized blood glucose (sugar) target opens in a new tab as they may differ based on your age, overall health, and other factors.
- A1C: Less than 7.0%
- Before a meal: 80-130 mg/dL
- One to two hours after meals: less than 180 mg/dL
What immunizations are important to get if you have diabetes?
People living with diabetes may find it harder for their immune systems to fight infections. The safest way to protect yourself is to get the right vaccines. According to the CDC, you should stay up to date with your: yearly flu shot opens in a new tab, Pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine opens in a new tab, Tdap vaccine opens in a new tab (to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough), Hepatitis B vaccine opens in a new tab, Shingles (herpes zoster) opens in a new tab vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.
There may be other vaccines you should get depending on your lifestyle, travel habits and other factors. Your pharmacist can guide you on which vaccines are right for you.
Why are diabetes screenings and tests important?
People living with diabetes should undergo routine tests that help monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Enhanced screenings and tests should also be a part of a routine preventive care plan to monitor your A1C, kidney, eye and foot health.
Kidney screenings
Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. That’s why routine screening is so important in the early detection and treatment of kidney disease, as it masy slow progression of kidney failure.
Additional testing for kidney disease involves:
Urine testing to detect very small amounts of albumin. Albumin is a type of protein. A small amount of albumin in the urine is called microalbuminuria. This is a sign that the kidney’s filtering units have been damaged. This test is especially important if you are at increased risk for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) because of diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of these conditions.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the best measure of kidney function. GFR estimates your kidney’s filtering ability using the result of a simple blood test for a waste product called creatinine, and other factors like age, gender, and race. Your GFR will show how well your kidneys are working. If your GFR is below normal, it is used to determine the stage of kidney disease and treatment options.
A1C tests
A1C tests are a critical step in forming your game plan to manage diabetes with your diabetes care team. A1C tests are used to monitor how well your diabetes treatment is working over time.
This simple blood test shows your average blood sugar level over the last two to three months. Higher levels put you at greater risk of developing diabetes complications. You’ll likely take the A1C test at least twice a year if you’re meeting your treatment goals. If your goals are off track or you change treatments, you might need an A1C test more often.
Diabetes eye & foot exams
Patients with diabetes are at high risk of retinal and foot problems and need regular screening to ensure they don’t develop problems related to these complications.
Additional essential screenings
Don’t forget to include the following standard screenings for overall health:
Cholesterol
Blood pressure
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
There are differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes when symptoms first start. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms often come on quickly over a short time. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms may come on slowly over the course of many years and be mild, making them difficult to notice.
How is diabetes managed and treated?
You and your healthcare provider can work on a treatment plan to help manage your diabetes. Treatment plans often include lifestyle adjustments, self-care measures and medications to help you maintain healthy blood glucose (sugar) levels & minimize the risk of diabetes and heart-related complications. Diabetes can be monitored and managed effectively over the course of a patient’s lifetime.
Injectable medications
Diet
Exercise
Oral medications
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):
All-day glucose tracking
What is CGM?
Continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM, helps you track your blood glucose levels throughout the day with fewer fingerstick tests. Unlike a traditional glucose meter, which only gives you a blood sugar reading when you do a fingerstick test, a CGM is a wearable glucose monitor that measures your blood sugar levels every few minutes.
You can connect a CGM to your smartphone, a wearable device like a fitness tracker or smart watch, or an insulin pump, which allows you to track your current glucose levels, trends and history over time. You can also download CGM data to a computer. This information can be shared with your healthcare provider to help manage your diabetes more effectively.
What are the benefits of using a CGM?
Real-time feedback on how your blood sugar changes throughout the day can help you better manage your diabetes over the long term:
24/7 monitoring
Steady monitoring builds data, giving you hundreds of readings every day, so you can see the effect of food, beverages, exercise and other activities on your blood sugar levels in real time.Trend tracking and alerts
Features that track your blood glucose trends over several hours can help you take action to keep your blood sugar within your target range, and alert you if your blood sugar levels become dangerously high or low.Fewer fingerstick tests
You won’t need to measure your blood sugar with fingerstick tests as often, giving CGM a real edge in convenience compared to traditional blood glucose monitoring systems.
How does a CGM work & does it hurt?
CGM vs BGM (Blood Glucose Meters)
Should I use a CGM?
CGMs are most helpful if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and:
Are age 2 years and older with a doctor’s prescription
Use an insulin pump
Inject insulin multiple times per day
Your diabetes treatment involves intensive insulin therapy (tight blood sugar control)
When should I speak to a provider?
If you’re interested in learning more about how a CGM system can make it easier for you to manage your diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider or ask your local Walgreens pharmacist.
Pharmacy Chat opens in a new tab makes it easy to connect with Walgreens pharmacy experts 24/7.
Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether a CGM is right for you and can write you a prescription.
Connect with a healthcare provider opens in a new tab using our Walgreens Find Care® service.*
Need more information about CGM costs & health insurance coverage?
Learn more opens in a new tabHow can I get a CGM?
To learn more about the FreeStyle Libre 2 and Dexcom CGM devices available through Walgreens, visit:
Helpful Resources
Our pharmacists
are specially trained in diabetes care
Learn how to keep A1C & glucose levels on target
Get information about medications
Learn about annual screenings & immunizations
Get help testing your blood sugar
Risk assessment for diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), over 7 million people with diabetes are undiagnosed, and 1 in 3 American adults is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. To learn your risk for diabetes, visit the ADA to take the type 2 diabetes risk assessment. Certain factors make you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Learning your risk level gives you the opportunity to take action and prevent it. Please note: this test is not a prescreening tool for diabetes.
Take the testOpens a simulated dialog.
You are now leaving Walgreens.com
Any information you provide will be subject to American Diabetes Association® Diabetes privacy and security policies.
Related articles & videos
Eating right
Balancing meals and eating the right amount of food can help you manage your blood sugar and weight. You can enjoy a variety of wholesome foods, from vegetables, fruits and whole grains to lean proteins and low-fat/nonfat dairy products. No foods are off limits, but try to avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium (salt).
How do carbohydrates affect my blood sugar levels?
Recipes for eating healthy with diabetes
Enjoy these recipes for a delicious way to manage your diabetes.
For more recipes, visit the American Diabetes Association® Diabetes Food Hubopens in a new tab
Healthy swaps
Opens a simulated dialogHealthier Swaps: Smarter SaladRemix your greens! See how just four simple ingredient swaps can make your salad even more deliciously nutritious.
Opens a simulated dialogHealthier Swaps: Energizing Egg SandwichBuild a better breakfast with these easy tweaks. See how just a few healthy ingredient upgrades can add loads of nutrients!
More nutritious ways to manage diabetes
How do carbohydrates affect my blood sugar levels?
How do carbs affect your blood sugar levels?
If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, you probably know that it is important for your blood sugar levels to stay in a healthy range. But how do the carbohydrates in the ramen you had for lunch affect your blood sugar throughout the day? Here is a quick-and-easy guide that shows how it’s all connected.
Overview: How the body uses carbs
You eat something with carbohydrates in it.
Your digestive system breaks down the carbs into glucose (a type of sugar), which is a source of energy for the body.
Glucose then enters your bloodstream, and blood sugar levels start to rise.
This signals your pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that “unlocks” the body’s cells so they can absorb the sugar for energy or store it for later use.
Your blood sugar goes down as your cells absorb the sugar.
When your blood sugar levels drop too low, your liver starts releasing its stored sugar to help keep your levels steady.
Through this process, your body makes sure all of your cells have a constant supply of energy.
Carbs and type 2 diabetes: How it works
In type 2 diabetes, the body loses the ability to control blood sugar levels.
Carbohydrates are still turned into glucose, but the cells don’t respond to insulin as they should (a condition called “insulin resistance”).
This makes it harder for glucose to enter the cells to be used for energy.
The pancreas releases more insulin, which at first can help keep blood sugar at normal levels.
Over time, the pancreas can’t keep up and stops making enough insulin. Without enough insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream, causing blood sugar levels to rise.
Cost management solutions
Medicare Part B
Get $0 out-of-pocket costs for all blood glucose meters and strips.2
opens in a new tab
Rx Savings Finder
Our search tool can help you find lower Rx prices at Walgreens.
opens in a new tab
Relay Health Copay Value Program
Walgreens brand meters and strips: guaranteed $25 copay for 30-day supply ($250 annual savings to customers vs.
national brands).
Insulin Savings Programs
Programs provide affordable, predictable copayments on select insulins.
opens in a new tab
The brand you trust to support your needs
Save with Walgreens branded supplies to help you manage your diabetes.
Shop now opens in a new tabMore ways to save
Just print the offers below, take them to your local Walgreens and speak with a pharmacist today!3
Save up to $250 annually with TrueMetrix®Opens a PDF in a new tab
Get a FREE OneTouch Verio Reflect® meter Opens a PDF in a new tab
Savings on Contour® Next test strips and FREE Contour Next One meter Opens a PDF in a new tab
Get a FREE Accu-Chek® Guide meter and discounted test strips Opens a PDF in a new tab
1 FREE box of BD Nano™ 2nd Gen Pen Needles after mail-in rebate Opens a PDF in a new tab
Wellness Tools
Enjoy our FREE digital tools and resources to help you stay on track.
Pharmacy Chat
Get answers to general health and
medication questions, 24/7.
Pill Reminder
Set up a Pill Reminder in our app so you
never miss a dose.
90-day Rx
Save time and get 3 months all at once!
Refill by Scan
Use your phone’s camera to
Refill by Scan in our app.
Find CareConnect with in-person and online healthcare
providers in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medicare Part B
Do I have to get my diabetes testing supplies through mail order?
No. You can get your diabetes testing supplies at any neighborhood Walgreens store. We can bill Medicare Part B and your qualified supplemental insurance, which means little or no out of pocket cost to you.
What Medicare-covered diabetes testing supplies are available at my neighborhood Walgreens and online?
- Blood glucose meters
- Test strips
- Lancets
- Lancing devices
- Control solution
- Replacement batteries for meters
- CGM devices
How do I know if I am eligible to have my diabetes testing supplies covered by Medicare Part B?
If you’re on Medicare and have diabetes, then you may be eligible. Your Walgreen’s pharmacist can check your eligibility. Find a store near you.
How much does Medicare pay? How much do I pay?
Generally, Medicare will pay 80% of the cost of your covered diabetes testing supplies, and Walgreens will bill Medicare directly. If you have a qualified supplemental insurance plan, Walgreens will bill it for the portion not covered by Medicare. Any non-covered supply, co-insurance and deductible is the responsibility of the individual customer.
What daily testing guidelines are covered under Medicare?
Medicare covers testing once a day for non-insulin individuals living with diabetes and covers testing up to three times a day for insulin-dependent people living with diabetes. More frequent testing may require additional documentation.
What if I need to test more frequently than Medicare guidelines allow?
You and your doctor may need to supply additional documentation including test logs, progress notes and lab results. It’s important to keep track of your results by maintaining a log since you may be required to supply this information.
Will I have to fill out and send in claim forms when buying diabetes testing supplies in store or online?
No, Walgreens will fill out all claim forms and bill Medicare and your supplemental insurance company directly.
Who should I contact with questions?
Just contact your neighborhood Walgreens pharmacy. Find a store near you.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report website. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html. Accessed October 10, 2022.
2 When purchased in store and billed to Medicare Part B and full coverage supplemental insurance.
3 Walgreens Rx Savings Finder is powered by RxSense. RxSense is solely responsible for finding prescription discount card pricing to use strictly at Walgreens for eligible prescriptions. Prescription discount cards are NOT insurance. Any drug-specific exclusions are determined by each prescription discount card vendor and not Rx Savings Finder, RxSense or Walgreens. See applicable prescription discount card vendor site for specific terms and conditions of that discount card. Pricing will vary depending on the prescription discount card, drug and participating Walgreens pharmacy location (“participating Pharmacy”). Prices may change at any time.
4 Patient needs a valid prescription, along with the printed offer, to take advantage of the offer.