Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the level of glucose in the blood, also known as blood sugar, is higher than normal. Your body turns food into blood glucose. For most people, insulin tells their cells to absorb this glucose and use it for energy. But for people with diabetes, their cells do not produce or respond to insulin, so the glucose stays in the blood. This can cause other health problems if it is not treated.
Important Tests and Screenings
First, you must know the ABCs of diabetes. “A” is for hemoglobin A1c (also seen as HbA1c), “B” stands for blood pressure and “C” is for cholesterol.
An A1c test result reflects a person’s average blood sugar levels for the past two to three months. The result from an A1c test should be less than 7.0%. If it is higher than 7.0%, work with your provider or diabetes educator to help you lower it. Individuals who have poorly controlled diabetes or are making changes to their medication should get this test every three months. For individuals with well-controlled diabetes, A1c testing should be done every 6 months.
This measures the total cholesterol, HDL (good), LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in your blood. These levels help rate your risk for heart disease. Adults with diabetes should have this test at least once a year.
These three tests give you and your provider a chance to find problems early, when they are easier to treat. Talk to your provider about creating a testing schedule that is right for you.
Diabetes can damage many different parts of your body. It is important to keep up with your tests, even if you do not have any serious symptoms.
Here are other important tests to have if you have diabetes to prevent future complications:
A test called microalbumin checks for kidney disease (nephropathy). If you have kidney disease, you may need to change your diet to lower how much salt and protein you eat. Kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, dialysis, and kidney transplant.
Your dental team can perform routine checkups as well as deep gum cleanings called periodontal maintenance. For people with diabetes, poor oral health can lead to gum disease, which can make it harder to control blood sugar. Diabetes also reduces the body’s ability to fight infection, making gum disease more likely and more severe.
Your provider should check your feet at each visit to look for cuts, sores, or calluses that you may not notice due to nerve damage. Sores on the feet heal slower in people who have diabetes and can lead to infection and loss of a limb. You should also check your feet daily.
Steps to Managing Your Diabetes
Your provider and diabetes care team will help you learn how to control your diabetes. Be sure to visit your provider if you have questions or need a recommended screening.
A balanced diet is the key to managing your diabetes. You should have a custom plan that works for you. Contact your provider or dietician if you do not have a diet plan.
Exercise will help you keep your weight down. This helps to lower your blood sugar and gives you more energy. Always check with your provider about how much exercise you should do. If you are new to exercising, start slowly.
Monitoring your blood sugar will help you control your diabetes. It will also help you know if your diet, diabetes pills, or insulin are keeping your blood sugar under control.
Common medications used to lower blood sugar are diabetes pills and insulin shots. Diabetes pills are used if your body makes insulin, but the insulin is not lowering your blood sugar. You will need insulin shots if your body has either stopped making insulin or does not make enough of it. Talk to your provider about the best option for you.
Resources
Molina has the following no-cost programs available to members:
- Molina My Health – Living with Diabetes
For adult members aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of diabetes. Members will work with their case manager and learn about healthy eating, the importance of checking your blood sugar and knowing your hemoglobin A1c level, the value of daily activity, and following the diabetes self-management plan outlined by your doctor.
- Molina My Health - Weight Management Program
For adult members, age 18 and older, who are interested in losing weight (except for those
scheduled for bariatric surgery). A Case Manager will work closely with you to develop a weight management plan of care, make sure your plan of care is individualized to meet your needs, and help you reach your weight loss goals.
- Molina My Health – Nutrition Consult Program
Molina offers a Nutrition Consultation Program to support your nutrition health needs. A Registered Dietitian will work closely with you to understand your needs, together you will develop an individualized plan of care, and they will provide you with the tools and aids needed to better self-manage your health conditions.
For more information on these programs, please call our Health Management Department at (866) 891-2320 (TTY/TDD: 711).
Additional Resources
- Dental Care
Apple Health (Medicaid) covers dental care for adults and children. Dental care is an important part of a diabetes care plan. DentistLink can connect you to a dental office that takes Apple Health. Call or text DentistLink at (844) 888-5465, or visit DentistLink.org for more information.
- Use the Diabetes Care Schedule to stay on track with diabetes self-checks, exams, and appointments throughout the year.
- Learn about the basics of diabetes, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes here.
- Click here to learn more about living with diabetes.
Molina Help Finder
This is your one-stop shop for finding low-and-no-cost resources to meet your basic needs like food, housing, job training, childcare and more! Find services near you using our online search tool at MolinaHelpFinder.com.
Member Rewards
Did you know? Molina Healthcare gives Apple Health (Medicaid) members rewards for getting diabetes-related management and tests and other important screenings. For more information, click here.
Transportation
Nonemergency transportation for medical and behavioral appointments is available for Apple Health (Medicaid) members. For more information, visit: HCA.WA.Gov/Transportation-Help.