Managing Diabetes with HAP: Your Guide to Health and Wellness

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Our care management team provides hands-on support to help members manage their care confidently, creating individualized plans that cover everything from medication guidance to appointment scheduling. You can connect with our care managers through a referral from your primary care physician or by reaching out directly for support.

Charles Bloom, DO, FACOEP
HAP Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer

Small Steps, Big Benefits

Small lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements, especially for those with prediabetes. Our care management program provides tailored advice on diet, exercise, and stress management, helping members make achievable changes that fit their lives.

A balanced diet and regular activity are essential for blood sugar control. HAP offers resources to help members understand how food and exercise choices impact their health. Here are some ways to build a supportive routine:

• Balanced Meals: Choose foods that stabilize blood sugar, like whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Portion Control: For a diabetic-friendly plate, aim for half non-starchy vegetables, a quarter lean protein, and a quarter whole grains or starchy vegetables, with a small portion of healthy fat.
• Consistent Mealtimes: Eating meals at regular times each day supports steady blood sugar by helping the body better manage insulin levels and prevent sudden spikes or drops in glucose.
• Regular Physical Activity: Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days. Start with a 10-minute walk after dinner or strength and stability exercises, gradually building up. Check with your doctor about recommended activities and any to avoid.
• Lower Blood Sugar with Activity: Check your blood sugar before and after a walk, and you’ll likely see a lower number afterward.
• Tracking Progress: Logging meals, snacks, and activity helps you understand what works best for your body.

These steps, along with guidance from your doctor, can help you build lasting habits that support better blood sugar control and overall health.

When to Test Blood Sugar for Diabetes Management:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Test 4-10 times daily, including before meals, snacks, exercise, bedtime, and during illness or medication changes.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Frequency varies. Those on insulin may need multiple daily checks, while others managing with diet or non-insulin medications might test less often.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): For real-time tracking, especially for type 1 diabetes, with readings available every few minutes and alerts for rapid changes. source

Your Path to Wellness

We offer comprehensive support, including assistance with insulin costs, free home medication delivery, and access to CGM technology. Our goal is to simplify diabetes management so you can focus on living well.

For more details about diabetic eye health screening or to learn more about Henry Ford OptimEyes, click here. To find a doctor, use our "Find a Doctor" tool.

With the right tools and guidance, diabetes management becomes a pathway to a healthier, more empowered life. To discover more about our diabetes care programs, including information on diabetes-related kidney testing, visit our website.