Healthy Living

Health Tips and Tricks for Diabetes Management, Prevention & Reversal

25 June 2025

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S. and unfortunately, it’s on the rise. An estimated 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, which equals about 11.6% of the population. Of those individuals, nearly 90% to 95% are living with type 2 diabetes.

As obesity rates climb and access to healthy, affordable food becomes more challenging, the need for support has never been greater. That’s why Providence Health Plan (PHP) is committed to offering resources, education, and preventive care tools to help members manage their health — including ways to lower blood sugar levels and, in some cases, reverse a diabetes diagnosis.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar (or glucose) levels become too high. It’s typically diagnosed later in life and can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease if not properly managed.

Some of the most common symptoms include: 

• Feeling very thirsty

• Frequent urination

• Low energy or exhaustion 

In fact, many people with type 2 diabetes experience no symptoms at all. That’s why understanding your risk is so important. Risk factors include being overweight and getting less than 30 minutes of physical activity three times a week.

If you think you may be at risk, make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP can check your blood sugar levels and work with you to create a plan that supports your individual health goals.

Prevention starts with small, consistent steps

Most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes had prediabetes first, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. In the U.S., 96 million adults have prediabetes, but 80% are unaware of it.

The good news is, small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference.

Here’s our top tips for prevention:

1. Eat balanced meals. Focus on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary beverages and processed snacks.

2. Stay active. Find an activity you enjoy. Walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, or joining a class can all make movement feel more like fun than a chore.

3. Get support. Invite a friend or family member to join you on your wellness journey. Having someone to encourage and keep you accountable can help you stay consistent.

If you’re interested in more personalized support, PHP’s Care Management team offers support, including encouragement, education, and goal setting tailored to your unique needs.

Managing Type 2 diabetes

If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it’s possible to manage your condition and in many cases, even reduce or reverse symptoms. By staying active, eating well, monitoring your blood sugar, and staying connected with your care team, you can improve your health and avoid long-term complications.

Diabetes program support from PHP

PHP’s Care Management Diabetes Program is designed to support members who have received a new diabetes diagnosis. The team also works with members who have been told they are at risk or have prediabetes.

Members in this program have access to:

• A Registered Dietitian and a Certified Nurse Diabetes Educator who provide personalized education, coordination with your providers, and diabetes-specific interventions.

• Coaching to help you better understand your diagnosis and take action toward optimal health. 

Additionally, the Food as Medicine intervention is available to any adult member with a food disparity, regardless of plan type. It includes:

• Medically tailored meals based on a member’s condition (including diabetes-friendly options

• Food delivery support based on physical ability to prepare meals

• Education on stretching food budgets

• Help applying for SNAP and other benefits

Additional support

PHP also partners with Virta, a vendor that provides specialized support for type 2 diabetes reversal, for select Administrative Services Only (ASO) groups. If you are part of an ASO group and want to know if this service is available to you, reach out to your health plan administrator for more information.

No matter the disease or diagnosis, PHP offers access to the care and tools needed to help members manage their health. To talk with a provider or care manager about how to better support your wellness goals, check out our Provider Directory.