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Disease Management Program
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person's body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use insulin properly. Insulin allows glucose (a form of sugar) to enter your body and be used as energy. When you have diabetes, the sugar builds up in your blood and can cause serious problems.
What Does the Program Do?
Although diabetes can't be cured, you can live a long and healthy life. The Diabetes Management Program is available to eligible Providence Health Plan members managing diabetes. Nurses are available to provide education and support, answer your questions, and help you set and maintain healthy lifestyle goals.
Who Can I Call with Questions?
Talk to your doctor about any problems you have with taking your medicines. For more information call Case & Disease Management at 503-574-7247, toll free 1-800-662-1121 or TTY 1-800-735-2900 for the hearing impaired.
More Information About Diabetes
Diabetes Checklist
If you have diabetes, it is important to have tests and exams every year to avoid serious problems with your health. Doctors recommend the following tests:
- Get a flu shot every year.
- Have your eyes checked every year. This is called a retinal eye exam and checks for a disease called retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
- Get a foot exam each time you visit the doctor. Make sure your doctor checks for small cuts or blisters.
- Have your urine tested. The test will look for a protein called albumin in your kidneys, which can be an early sign of kidney disease.
- Get your teeth checked every six months.
- Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked. Know your numbers to keep your diabetes on track:
- HbA1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) – Goal: less than 6.5 percent
- Cholesterol – Goal: LDL (“bad”) less than 100
- Blood pressure – Goal: less than 120/80
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
Many people have diabetes and are not even aware of it. Because the disease causes no symptoms at first, it often goes unmanaged for too long. Watch for some of the following warning signs:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive, constant thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Sudden vision changes
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Feeling weak or tired
- Very dry skin
- Sores that are slow to heal
- Frequent infections
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to you doctor about testing you for diabetes.
Providence RN
Medical Advice Line where you can call 24-hours a day, seven days a week.