Healthy Conversations: Diabetes

Name: Health New England
Address: One Monarch Place, Suite 1500, Springfield, MA, 01144
Telephone: (413) 787-4004

Learn about diabetes causes and support options.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose gives us energy, which our body makes and we can also get from food.

To use energy, glucose needs to get into the cells with the help of a hormone that comes from the pancreas, insulin. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. Glucose stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.

Type 1 diabetes: Usually diagnosed in younger people, the body makes little to no insulin because the immune system attacks the cells that create insulin.
Type 2 diabetes: The most common type and linked to obesity, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin.

How does diabetes affect your body?

High glucose levels can damage your eyes, kidneys, feet, nerves, heart and more. Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer.

How can you lower your risk?

Managing diabetes helps to lower your risk of developing diabetes-related health problems. As a Health New England member, you have access to a variety of services and coverage for the diagnosis, treatment and support for diabetes.

Resources for Health New England Members

Diabetes Testing and Care

Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you have questions or diabetes risk factors. A blood test can measure your glucose levels, which can tell if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes. If you have diabetes, you and your PCP can work together to manage your disease:

Hemoglobin A1c testing (coordinating lab testing prior to your office visit, so results can be discussed during the visit)
Retinal eye exams (should be scheduled annually and completed by an eye care specialist)
Urine protein testing for nephropathy (testing can be completed at any office visit)
Blood pressure measurement (regular monitoring for control—is less than 130/80; can also be measured at home and self-reported via telehealth visit)
Statin and other therapies or medications

For an accurate reading when checking blood pressure at home:

Empty your bladder first (full bladder adds 10 mm Hg)
Use the correct cuff size and put it on your bare arm
Support your arm on a table/desk at heart level
Keep your legs uncrossed and do not talk

Benefits*

Diabetes Care Management Program: Our care managers can help support your provider’s plan of care and provide educational materials and coaching as well as guidance on diet, exercise, testing, and use of medications.
Virta: Lose weight and lower your blood sugar through a guided nutrition program designed just for you at no cost.
Rx Savings Solutions: Find out if you can receive discounts on your diabetes medications.
Nutritional Counseling: Receive guidance for your individual dietary needs with up to four sessions with an in-network registered dietitian per year. Find a Provider >>
Wellness Reimbursement: Get reimbursed as you work toward physical activity, weight management or mindfulness goals.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit
WebMD Diabetes Daily Habit Plan: Enjoy better health and quality of life by finding balance with self care.

*Exclusions may apply. Not all members have access to all benefits. Please check your plan materials for details, or contact Member Services at (413) 787-4004 if you need more information.

Community Resources

Big Y Nutrition Event Offerings
CVS Minute Clinic
Findhelp: Search your zip code and then keyword “Diabetes” to view programs and care options near you.
Call the American Diabetes Association Center for Information at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383), or visit the American Diabetes Association website.