Diabetes care
Manage better. Live better with HAP Diabetes Care
HAP is dedicated to supporting members with diabetes through a comprehensive Diabetes Care Management approach. This personalized, clinically based approach offers a variety of resources and tools to help you stay healthy and effectively manage your diabetes, whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
What is HAP Diabetes Care?
HAP Diabetes Care is a personalized diabetes management approach that offers clinically based support for members. You’ll work closely with your doctor and health care team to create a customized self-care plan tailored to your needs. The program includes direct care coordination, diabetes supplies, medications and educational resources to help keep you healthy.
Self-managing your diabetes
Managing your diabetes effectively involves creating a self-care plan with your health care team. Here are some key steps to help you manage your diabetes:
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Know your A-B-Cs:
- A1C level: Get an A1C test to learn your average glucose level over the past three months. Talk to your doctor to determine what A1C level is best for you.
- Blood pressure: Regularly monitor your blood pressure and discuss with your doctor what levels are best for you.
- Cholesterol: Check your cholesterol levels and ask your doctor what level is best for you.
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Healthy lifestyle choices:
- Don’t smoke: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. Avoid smoking and using e-cigarettes.
- Healthy meal plan: Work with a dietitian to develop a meal plan that fits your lifestyle. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
- Physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Start with activities you enjoy and gradually increase your activity level.
- Take prescribed medications: Ensure you take all your prescribed medications, including those for diabetes, to help manage your A1C levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Monitor blood glucose levels: Regularly check your blood glucose levels based on your doctor’s recommendations. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include headaches, thirst, fatigue, frequent urination and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, contact your health care team immediately.
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Regular health check-ups:
- Primary care physician visits: See your PCP regularly, even if you feel well.
- Dental visits: Inform your dentist that you have diabetes, and schedule visits every 6 to 12 months.
- Eye exams: Schedule regular eye exams to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
- Preventive services: Get annual flu shots and consider pneumonia vaccines to reduce the risk of infections. Talk to your doctor about what vaccines are recommended for you.
Technology options available through key suppliers
HAP has partnered with Pharmacy Advantage and Hart Medical to provide members with diabetes management technology and supplies.
- Pharmacy Advantage:
- Eligibility: Available to Medicare and D-SNP members, and commercial employer group members
- Technology solutions: Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) or standard glucometers
- Contact: Call (800) 456-2112 (TTY: 711) to discuss diabetes management device options and enroll in mail order services
- Hart Medical:
- Eligibility: Available to Medicare Wrap members
- Technology solutions: Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier affiliated with Henry Ford Health
- Contact: Call (888) 606-8778 (TTY: 711) for information about supplies and to place orders
Health concerns for members with diabetes
Members with diabetes need to be aware of several health concerns and take preventive measures to manage their condition effectively:
- Infections: People with diabetes are more prone to infections. Ensure you are up to date on your recommended vaccines.
- Eye health: Regular eye exams are crucial to detect and manage conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
- Dental health: Inform your dentist about your diabetes and schedule regular dental visits to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.
Educational resources available to members with diabetes
HAP provides a range of educational resources to support members in managing their diabetes effectively:
- Diabetes self-management education programs: Talk to your doctor to see what options are best to support you in your journey to manage your diabetes. Your doctor can give a referral to the Diabetes Care Connection Services.
- American Diabetes Association: This resource can help you understand your diabetes, discover self-management options and offer tips for how to support a loved one who has diabetes. Visit the American Diabetes Association website for more information.
Related member resources
For more information and resources to support your diabetes management journey, visit the following links:
- Members with Type 1 diabetes (American Diabetes Association)
- Members with Type 2 diabetes (American Diabetes Association)
- Henry Ford Health Diabetes Care Connection Services