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Low-income Ohioans Face Greater Challenges to Managing Diabetes

Date: 11/01/22

Buckeye Health Plan Offers Diabetes Management Tips During National Diabetes Awareness Month

With more than 1 million Ohio adults diagnosed with diabetes, disease management is more important than ever. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in Ohio and 1 in 10 Ohioans has been diagnosed with prediabetes. Healthcare providers are looking for ways to further support diabetic patients.

Health experts are now studying higher instances of diabetes among lower-income people, considering the disparities that can make these people more at-risk. The most vulnerable Ohioans have a significant need for diabetes care management. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications including heart disease and stroke, blindness and other eye problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputations, gum disease, depression and other health challenges. The good news is that with daily monitoring and maintenance, the risk of severe complications decreases, according to doctors at Buckeye Health Plan.

As your guide to better health, Buckeye helps Ohioans understand the importance of everyday maintenance for this chronic condition. In honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month in November, Buckeye encourages Ohioans to keep their diabetes in check by:

  • Taking diabetes medications and insulin
  • Testing their blood sugar and tracking the results
  • Staying up-to-date on annual well visits
  • And, calling the doctor if they have concerns about their condition

Other ways to manage diabetes and decrease risks include making healthy decisions that impact whole health including:

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Limit processed foods, saturated and trans-fat and eat more fruit, vegetables and high-fiber foods
  • Exercising regularly. Stay active most days of the week to help manage weight, reduce blood glucose levels and help improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight. Body fat, especially stored around the stomach area, can increase the body’s resistance to insulin, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Losing five to 10 percent of body weight can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.[1]
  • Stopping smoking. Smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than nonsmokers. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk.[2]

“As a doctor, I see patients every day trying to manage their diabetes, but in reality, that’s not easy,” said Dr. Brad Lucas, Buckeye Chief Medical Officer. “For low-income patients, getting the tools and resources to manage their condition takes time and energy that some put off as they deal with other challenges. That’s why free diabetes management programs are so impactful. They give members extra support to understand and manage their condition and overall health.”

Buckeye’s diabetes-focused care management program helps members by:

  • Providing frequent check-ins with members to be sure they are sticking to their medical plans
  • Providing guidance around doctor appointments and directions for care
  • Arranging Buckeye transportation to and from doctor appointments if needed Offering the national Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) curriculum, a six-week course that helps participants understand the disease, prevent complications, improve eating habits and relationships with healthcare providers and more.
  • Ensuring members have medication and equipment to manage their diabetes daily
  • And, providing access to medical advice, 24/7 through an app and nurse line

“Helping members manage their diabetes has lasting health impacts,” says Buckeye Care Manager, Kendra NAME. “Just this year, one of my Buckeye members, Jessica, made great strides in her health journey thanks to Buckeye’s diabetes program.”

Buckeye helped Jessica managed her diabetes during and after pregnancy by transitioning her to a continuous monitor and providing 24/7 health support via an app. The continuous monitor was less painful for Jessica as it eliminated the need for frequent finger pricks and provided instant information to inform her eating decisions. Since being on the monitor, Jessica’s A1C level decreased by 50 percent. Since gaining access to the monitor and the app, Jessica took a more active role in her health by asking questions and interacting with her Care Manager often.

For more information on the importance of diabetes management, visit BuckeyeHealthPlan.com/diabetes or call 1-866-246-4358.

Sources:

[1] John Hopkins Medicine. Diabetes. Retrieved October 7, 2019 from: http://bit.ly/2op9wmq

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking and Diabetes. Retrieved October 7, 2019 from: http://bit.ly/2VkkZzT