Help control, prevent, and overcome diabetes and related complications³

Controlling your blood sugar level is key to managing diabetes. You should also watch for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, eye diseases, and kidney issues.¹

Self-Test²

• Measure and track your blood sugar and glucose level. CarePlus covers and makes diabetic monitoring supplies (e.g., lancets, blood glucose strips, glucometers, etc.) available through your plan’s retail network pharmacies and preferred cost-sharing mail-order pharmacy, or through other pharmacies in our network. Authorization rules may apply. Refer to your Evidence of Coverage for more information.

A1C Test³

• Measures your average blood glucose level over previous three-month period.
  
• Performed at doctor’s office at least once every year to help determine if your diabetes care plan is working or needs an adjustment

Diet and Exercise

• A balanced diet of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates may help reduce the possibility of developing diabetes-related conditions and complications.
  
• Regular exercise and weight loss can help prevent diabetes-related conditions and complications.
  
• All CarePlus plans include the SilverSneakers® fitness program. SilverSneakers offers classes geared toward older adults to help improve strength and flexibility. Talk to your doctor before beginning any fitness and/or exercise program. For more information, visit our page about SilverSneakers and physical well-being.

Blood Pressure Test³

• People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure. As many as two in three people with diabetes report that they have high blood pressure.¹
  
• People with diabetes and high blood pressure have an increased risk for many heart and circulation problems, including stroke and heart failure.¹
  
• Your primary care physician should check your blood pressure every time you visit. You may also check your blood pressure at home on a regular basis.
  

Cholesterol Screening⁴

• Cholesterol comes in two forms: Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
  
• LDL is considered “bad” cholesterol. It can build up in your arteries and may increase your risk of heart attack.
  
• Your physician can advise you about your target cholesterol goal.
  
• Diabetes is a known risk factor for heart disease. Your physician should check your cholesterol at least once per year.
  

Medication Adherence⁴

• Medication can play an important role in managing diabetes and potentially preventing certain complications.
  
• A medication regimen is successful only if you follow your physician’s instructions.
  

Dilated Retinal Eye Exam

• People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing several eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can result in vision loss.
  
• Your physician should conduct a dilated retinal eye exam at least once per year.
  

Kidney Disease (Nephropathy) Screening⁵

• High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and cause nephropathy. Nephropathy means kidneys can’t properly filter waste and extra fluids from blood.
• Keep your blood sugar levels and blood pressure under control to lower the chance of getting kidney disease.⁴
  
• Your doctor should check your kidneys at least once per year.⁵
  

The above refers to general health-related information and is not a substitute for professional health care. For individualized medical guidance, talk to your doctor.