Living Well with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you're not alone. More than 100 million U. S. adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious condition. It can lead to big health problems when it isn't well-managed. But when you take charge, you can help yourself live a much healthier life.
Diabetes complications
The buildup of glucose in your blood can cause diabetes-related complications, and:
- Cause plaque (fatty material) to narrow your blood vessels
- Damage the lining of your blood vessels
- Keep blood from freely moving through your blood vessels
- Slow blood flow to vital tissues and organs
To reduce your risk of these diabetes-related complications, your doctor should, at least once a year, perform (and/or give you a):
- Cholesterol profile test, to measure cholesterol (e.g., total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides in your blood
- Dental exam, every 6 to 12 months
- Flu shot
- HbA1c test, to measure your blood sugar over a 3-month period
- Kidney (blood) test, to check your glomerular filtration rate, which tells how well your kidneys filter
- Kidney (urine) test, to check for a protein called albumin, which can help detect kidney disease or nephropathy
- Pneumonia shot, if suggested by your healthcare provider
- Retinal or dilated eye exam, to help find glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye conditions
If you have diabetes, you should:
- Ask questions about your treatment plan
- Avoid or quit smoking3
- Check, monitor, and record your blood sugar levels at home
- Eat a healthy diet that includes nonstarchy vegetables and lean protein, AND fewer added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods4
- Get the right amount of sleep5
- Limit salt and alcohol intake6
- Manage stress
- Reach and/or keep a healthy body weight7
- See your healthcare provider, who will check your blood pressure, weight, and feet
- Share your blood sugar level records with your healthcare provider
- Stay active8
- Take medications (such as an oral medication or insulin) as prescribed
For more information, call us at 888-285-1121 (TTY: 711) to learn more.
Access a health coach through Vida Health
Humana Healthy Horizons® in Kentucky enrollees 18 and older who have type 2 Diabetes can sign up with Vida Health for one-on-one, personalized help to meet your health goals at no cost. Just enroll in the program and download the Vida Health app. It’s that easy!
If you have diabetes, Vida Health can help you:
- Cope with stress in a healthy way
- Lose weight
- Manage any conditions you want help managing
- Revamp your approach to nutrition
Through Vida Health, you can:
- Monitor your health progress
- Talk and text with dedicated health coaches, including nutritionists, dietitians, and diabetes educators
- View tips and In Good Health videos customized to your health needs
This program includes:
- 24/7 access to your coach for support and tips via in-app text messaging
- Weekly video calls with your coach
Call 855-506-0856 (TTY: 711) to begin your Vida Health service.
Go365 for Humana Healthy Horizons
Participating in healthy activities and earning rewards through our Go365 for Humana Healthy Horizons® wellness program is easy.
You can qualify to earn rewards by enrolling in Go365 for Humana Healthy Horizons and then completing one or more healthy activities, such as having specific health screenings if you have diabetes.
Sources
- “Type 2 Diabetes,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Prediabetes—Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Smoking and Diabetes,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Diabetes Meal Planning,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Sleep for a Good Cause,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Diabetes and Your Heart,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Healthy Weight,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
- “Get Active!” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
Further reading
“Diabetes Management: How Lifestyle, Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.
“4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes Life,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, last accessed August 17, 2022, , opens new window.