Support during Diabetes Awareness Month
Nov. 06, 2023
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects 37 million Americans (about one in 10), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. It can lead to health issues, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage and vision problems, if it is not properly managed.
While diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed to improve quality of life. Here is how.
Diabetes management starts with tests
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, careful management can help you avoid bigger problems later.
Your primary care provider (PCP) or endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) may recommend one or more of the following tests and let you know how often you should get them:
A1c (hemoglobin)
This blood test is the primary method for managing your diabetes. It gives you information about your average levels of blood sugar over the last three months.
Eye exam
A dilated eye exam checks for damage to the blood vessels in your retina. It can help prevent diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause severe vision loss or blindness.
Cholesterol
Unhealthy cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease. LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, should be below 100. HDL, the “good” cholesterol, should be above 40 for men and above 50 for women.
Kidney health
A urine test measures the protein level in your kidneys—an increase in protein could be a sign they aren’t working as well as they should.
Foot exam
Regular, comprehensive foot exams and proper foot care can help prevent amputation.
You have personalized support
There are 96 million adults with prediabetes in the US. For most people, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes like losing weight and getting more physical activity.
As a HealthSelectSM medical plan participant, you have access to a dedicated team of care management clinicians, at no extra cost. A Texas-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) clinician can provide you with support to manage a new or existing diabetes diagnosis and will work with you one-on-one to help you follow your provider’s treatment plan and set goals that help you check your progress.
Whether you have prediabetes or diabetes, a clinician can answer questions and share health and wellness resources. Call BCBSTX toll-free at: (800) 252-8039 (TTY:711) between 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT, Monday – Friday, and ask to speak with a clinician.
Read Brian’s Journey to learn how HealthSelect helps participants with diabetes.
Diabetic supplies benefits
You can get diabetic supplies, including test strips and lancets, at the pharmacy through your HealthSelect Prescription Drug Program (PDP) with a valid prescription from your health care provider. Insulin and oral medications for controlling blood sugar are also covered under the HealthSelect PDP. Check with the PDP to see if your supplies are covered at no cost or if a copay applies.
Benefits questions?
If you have benefits or coverage questions, BCBSTX Personal Health Assistants are available by phone toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. CT. and Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. CT. You can also communicate via secure chat and secure messaging Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., after logging into Blue Access for MembersSM.
Living Well with Diabetes; Prevent Type 2, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).