BlueChoice HealthPlan

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Great Expectations® Diabetes

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Great Expectations® Diabetes helps members learn how to manage their diabetes better. We educate members about how to reduce their risk of getting complications and improve their quality of life. All BlueChoice HealthPlan members with diabetes are eligible to participate in the diabetes program. We automatically enroll all eligible members at no charge. There are many benefits to participation:

  • Members receive educational materials, including an initial packet and seasonal newsletter.
  • There's lots of great online information in the Diabetes Center.
  • For our highest-risk members, we provide telephone counseling by staff members who include certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, nurses and health educators. You may also attend diabetes education classes at an approved education center. All members are welcome to call us with their questions about diabetes, or their coverage for diabetes services, medications and supplies.
  • Members may receive a free glucose monitor.
  • BlueChoice HealthPlan members with diabetes may be eligible to get diabetic shoes or inserts.

 

What You Need To Do To Stay Healthy

Diabetes can affect many aspects of your life. It can lead to some serious health problems. By working with your health care team, you can stay as healthy as possible.

Visit your personal physician at least twice a year. At each visit they should check:

  • Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) -- This blood test measures your blood sugar control over the last three months. It should be checked at least twice a year (more often if out of control). A healthy A1c is 7% or lower.
  • High blood pressure is more common in people with diabetes. It should be measured at every visit. Your blood pressure should be 130/80 or below.
  • Foot care is especially important when you have diabetes. Always take your shoes and socks off as soon as you go into the exam room, to remind your doctor to examine your feet at every office visit.

At least once each year you should have the following:

  • A urine test for early kidney disease. You should know your kidney count.
  • A dilated eye exam. Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Find a vision provider.
  • A blood test to check your lipid (cholesterol) profile. This is important because diabetes increases your risk of developing heart disease.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

  • Take all of your medications as prescribed by your personal physician. Learn about your pharmacy benefits.
  • Exercise regularly. Be sure and check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight. If you need help with losing weight, check out the resources available through Great Expectations® Weight Management.
  • Quit smoking. If you smoke and also have diabetes, you are more likely to develop life-threatening complications. Learn about Great Expectations® Quit Smoking.

For more information or to enroll in a Great Expectations® program, members can log into My Health Toolkit and select "Great Expectations" from the Health and Wellness tab.

 

Other Helpful Links

American Diabetes Association

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation