Diabetes Awareness
Diabetes affects the way your body produces and uses insulin. In patients who are diabetic, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes effectively. This leads to elevated sugar levels in your bloodstream, which can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, numbness, and weakness.
According to the American Diabetes Association†, women who have diabetes are at a higher risk of having a heart attack than women without diabetes. Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects. There are two main types of diabetes: Type I diabetes which usually occurs in children or adolescents, and Type 2 diabetes which more commonly occurs in adults. Some women develop diabetes while pregnant, which is referred to as gestational diabetes.
Work with your VA primary care provider to understand diabetes and what you can do to prevent and manage it.
What services does VA provide for diabetes?
Talk with your VA primary care provider to find out more information about the services available at VA, including:
- Primary care
- Clinical pharmacy
- Endocrinology
- Blood glucose monitoring supplies and medications
- Nutrition counseling
- Weight loss programs
- Eye care (ophthalmology and optometry) and glasses
- Foot care (podiatry)
- Prosthetics
VA providers can help women Veterans learn about diabetes, related risk factors, and ways to prevent type 2 diabetes. Care teams at VA are available to help diagnose and manage diabetes. Care teams include primary care providers, nurse educators, pharmacists, dietitian, and specialists (endocrinologists). You can actively participate in taking care of your diabetes by maintaining a healthy diet and staying physically active.
How do I access services for diabetes at VA?
The first step to access services for diabetes care at VA is to contact or make an appointment with your VA primary care provider. They will help assess your needs and come up with a plan that is best for you.
If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:
Find out if you are eligible for VA health care
Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already
Find your local VA and make an appointment
Can I get disability compensation (monthly payments) or other benefits from VA related to diabetes?
Explore disability eligibility here. If you have questions, a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representative at your nearest regional office can explain more. Find your nearest regional office.
Where can I find more information, help, and resources on diabetes?
- Visit VA's MOVE! Weight Management Program for the most up-to-date approaches for weight management.
- Find more information and other resources from VA's Nutrition and Food Services.
- Listen to VA's Diabetes Numeracy Podcasts that were created by VA clinicians to help Veterans manage their diabetes.
- Visit CDC's* website to learn more about managing diabetes and to find more information.
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases* provides research findings and health information to the public.
Women Veterans Health Care Videos
Watch videos for and about Women Veterans.
Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters
View our Outreach Posters.
The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health
If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:
- Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
- Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
- Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
- Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need
WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
* By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
† VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.
