Take Control of Your Diabetes Today

The Pulse, April 2021

Diabetes is a serious blood sugar disorder that affects 34.2 million Americans. It’s the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States, and complications include heart disease, kidney damage, and Alzheimer's disease.

We know the challenges you may face in managing your diabetes, but we’re here to provide you with support. Even though there isn’t a cure for diabetes, depending on the type you have, certain lifestyle changes can help you reduce the impact of your condition and take control of your health.

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes – Also known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 is a chronic condition usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. In Type 1, the body doesn't make enough insulin naturally. People with type 1 diabetes typically require insulin. Insulin can be given with injections or a pump. Risk factors include family history and genetics.
Type 2 diabetes – People can develop this condition at any age if they become insulin resistant. A few of the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, inactivity and family history.
Gestational diabetes – This condition affects some women during pregnancy. While it usually goes away as soon as the baby is born, it can increase the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later. Many of the same risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, including obesity and lack of physical activity, also put women at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes.

The key to controlling diabetes is managing blood sugar. You can do this in several ways:

Medication

You may need medication to control your blood sugar. In more severe cases, especially if you have Type 1 diabetes, you may require insulin. You inject most insulin through a syringe. There are also insulin pumps and diabetic patches that deliver the medication through the skin.

Diet

A healthy diet can help keep people from developing Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes and helps keep blood sugar in check if you live with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association recommends eating a diet rich in lean protein; fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains; and staying away from fast food and sugary or highly processed items. Many studies have also shown that a low-carbohydrate diet can help manage blood sugar.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to watch your portions and eat regularly. Eating too little or going too long without eating could cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar gets too low. This condition can cause dizziness and confusion. If untreated, it can result in seizures and even death.

Physical Activity

Physical activity helps control blood sugar and makes your body more sensitive to insulin, so you're better at managing your diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking briskly, dancing, swimming, or even doing housework.

Resources for All TRS Plans

Preventive and diagnostic care offered through TRS health care plans helps make managing diabetes easy. Type 2 diabetes screenings with in-network providers are covered at 100%. Gestational diabetes screenings for some pregnant women are also covered.

You may qualify for diabetic equipment and supplies at no cost to you through your CVS Caremark prescription drug plan. Visit caremark.com/managingdiabetes to submit a Diabetic Supply Order Form.

TRS-ActiveCare Resources

With TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ plans, you can get diabetes self-management training with your in-network Primary Care Provider for $30 per visit.

You'll pay 30% coinsurance after your deductible for medically necessary diabetes equipment and supplies on the TRS-ActiveCare Primary plan and 20% on TRS-ActiveCare Primary+.

Find self-directed programs to help you manage your diabetes and improve your overall health and wellness on the interactive Well onTarget portal. You can also get one-on-one coaching from credentialed health experts, including dietitians.

You can find in-network providers through the  TRS-ActiveCare Provider Finder Directory. Connect with a Personal Health Guide (PHG) 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999 for questions about benefits, finding in-network providers, cost estimates and more.

TRS-Care Standard Resources

With TRS-Care Standard, you have low copays and coinsurance for diabetes self-management training.

You can find in-network providers through the TRS-Care Standard Provider Finder Directory. Find self-directed programs to help you manage your diabetes and improve your overall health and wellness on the interactive Well onTarget® portal. You can also get one-on-one coaching from credentialed health experts, including dietitians.

Connect with a Personal Health Guide (PHG) 24/7 at 1-866-355-5999 for questions about benefits, finding in-network providers, cost estimates, and more. 

BCBSTX makes no endorsement, representations, or warranties regarding third-party vendors. Members should contact the vendor directly with questions about the products or services offered by third parties. 

BlueCross and BlueShield Texas Website Diabetes Page
CVS Caremark Managing Diabetes Page
CDC Diabetes Page

TRS-Care Medicare Advantage

Your annual wellness visit (pdf) is a good time to talk to your primary care provider about diabetes prevention and treatment. Plus, if you complete your Annual Wellness Visit before June 30^th, 2021 you are eligible to earn a $25 reward.

Real Appeal

Lifestyle changes may help manage or control diabetes. Real Appeal is an online weight loss program proven to help you achieve real, lifelong results at no additional cost. Set achievable nutrition, exercise, and weight loss goals, then track your progress from your daily dashboard. Get started today at realappeal.com.

Sources: The American Diabetes Association

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