A new approach to diabetes treatment

Managing the chronic disease requires rigorous self-care. The right health insurance plan can help.

By WP BrandStudio

A postal worker in Atlanta pricks his finger with a pocket-sized digital device before his shift begins. An Air Force radar technician in Fort Worth pulls out her phone to record the number of calories in the breakfast she just ate. A congressional staff assistant in D.C. runs laps around a track in the park at the start of the day. What do these people have in common? They’re all federal employees, and they’re all navigating the challenge of living with diabetes.

More than 30 million adults in the United States currently suffer from this chronic disease. Over the coming decades these figures will only grow. Rapid urbanization, increasingly sedentary lifestyles and the perpetual convenience of unhealthy fast foods are creating a dire confluence of conditions in which diabetes is more likely to arise. In fact, around the world, diabetes cases are expected to increase by 48 percent by 2045.

While those recently diagnosed with diabetes may fear the worst, researchers are learning more about the disease, its causes and effective care options with each passing year. This means that maintaining one’s health despite having diabetes has never been easier, particularly for U.S. government employees. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Program (FEP) actively works with physicians across the country to create effective plan options for diabetics.  These plans aim to maximize affordability while ensuring that patients’ quality of life remains a top priority.

The complications of diabetes

Diabetes is among the leading causes of death in the U.S. Yet it starts as a simple problem: the body stops being able to effectively turn blood sugar, or glucose, into energy. The disease presents in two forms, known as Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1, the pancreas ceases to produce insulin—the hormone that converts glucose into fuel. In Type 2, the process is inhibited, either through reduced production of insulin or a progressive resistance to it. About five percent of U.S. diabetics have Type 1, while the remaining 95 percent have the far more common Type 2.

Endocrinologist and cardiologist Robert H. Eckel, M.D., counts himself lucky among the Type 1 minority. He was diagnosed with the disease when he was just five years old, but is still thriving today. Now in his early seventies, Eckel is a professor at the University of Colorado Denver and the incoming co-president of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Based on a lifetime of personal experience and decades of clinical research, he stresses that careful day-to-day management of diabetes is essential, as the complications resulting from the disease can be severely debilitating, or worse. “Diabetes can lead to complications such as cataracts, retinopathy—which can lead to blindness—kidney disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke and many more outcomes that can limit one’s lifespan and quality of life,” he said.

To avoid such complications, Eckel’s recommendations are straightforward: “Eat a healthy diet, remain physically active and when needed lose weight. Moreover, be under the care of a qualified healthcare professional.”

Gretchen Becker, a Type 2 diabetic since 1996 and author of the book The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes, echoes Eckel’s guidance regarding lifestyle changes. “Too many people want to get a drug that will allow them to keep eating as they have in the past.” She says that experimenting to find a diet that works for a particular individual—and sticking with it for the long haul—is essential, as is getting to know other diabetics, such as by joining an online support forum. Building a network of support can help people make the changes necessary to stay healthy.

Of course, some of these tips may be easier said than done, but FEP takes such difficulties into account, as its diabetes care program offers personalized advice, real-time online support and even monetary rewards as part of a comprehensive effort to help diabetics stay on track.

A plan for quality care

FEP provides a wealth of assistance for government employees and their dependent family members suffering from diabetes through a three-part strategy encompassing tests, perks and tools.

First, FEP aims to help its members with diabetes by giving them the knowledge, support and practical resources they need to take responsibility for and help with their own self-care to the best of their ability—working, of course, under the guidance of their qualified healthcare provider. This begins with diabetics making sure that, in addition to their personal daily glucose tests and taking the right medications, they undergo the five main professional diabetes tests at regular annual or quarterly intervals:

-Blood: The A1c hemoglobin blood test, taken every quarter, measures average blood sugar levels over the preceding three months.

-Heart: Cholesterol levels are tested to prevent heart disease, ensuring that LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, remains low while “good” HDL cholesterol remains high.

-Eyes: A dilated eye exam detects potential damage to the blood vessels in the retinas, a complication that can lead to vision problems.

-Kidneys: A simple urine test measures protein levels in the kidneys to make sure the organs are functioning as they should.

-Feet: Comprehensive foot exams and proper foot care can help prevent the kind of nerve damage, ulcers and improper blood flow that leads to amputations.

Second, the Diabetes Management Incentive Program rewards Standard and Basic Option members who take an active role in managing their diabetes. Each year, eligible participants can earn financial rewards for submitting blood test results. Lastly, beginning in 2020, a new diabetes management program will help qualifying FEP members manage their diabetes through a zero-cost program that offers self-monitoring of blood sugar through a free digital glucose meter, personalized care tips and related mobile app. The program also provides an unlimited supply of test strips and lancets, as well as one-on-one mentoring from an expert diabetes coach.

Thriving with chronic disease

Taken together, FEP’s three focus areas represent perhaps the most holistic diabetes care currently available to U.S. federal employees.  The approach is indicative of the program’s comprehensive and affordable coverage across the board. No matter their health background, federal employees and their families can benefit from the variety of wellness incentives and robust provider networks offered as part of the Standard and Basic Option plans.

Yet it’s up to every individual—particularly those living with diabetes—to make the most of their health care resources. For those that do, a high quality of life is achievable.

“I eat less food, but I eat better food. I do more walking,” said Becker. Living with chronic disease is difficult, she acknowledges, but “it forces you to take care of yourself.’”

Becker’s experience isn’t unique. All over the country–and in all corners of the federal government–people with diabetes are proving that with self-care and a comprehensive treatment plan, maintaining a high quality of life is achievable.

Learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Program

Sources:

American Diabetes Association

European Society of Cardiology

This content is paid for by Blue Cross Blue Shield and published by WP BrandStudio. The Washington Post newsroom was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more about WP BrandStudio.