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Chronic Conditions Management

Diabetes Care Management

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that develops when the body does not produce or use insulin correctly. Insulin, a hormone, is used to change sugar and other foods into energy. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin and usually requires insulin treatment. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (or the body does not use the insulin) to make energy. Type 2 diabetes can be managed by diet, exercise, and medication. Diabetes can lead to hardening of the arteries, which are fat-like deposits that can build up in your arteries. This can result in a heart attack, stroke, loss of limb, or blindness.

The Diabetes Program consists of a trained team including:

  • Endocrinologists
  • Your primary care physician
  • Registered dietitians
  • Diabetes care managers
  • Clinical support staff

What You Can Do?

Follow Diabetes “Best Practices” (high-quality treatment recommendations) to prevent and control symptoms for diabetes, heart attack, or stroke:

  • Take all medications prescribed by your physician.
  • Get annual lab tests:
    • Cholesterol (LDL should be less than 100)
    • Urine microalbumin (kidney function test)
    • ALT (liver function test)
  • Maintain a blood pressure of 129/79 or lower
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
    • Quit smoking
    • Keep a healthy weight
    • Follow dietary guidelines for diabetes
    • Be physically active for 30 minutes or more, most days of the week
  • Get started with diabetes and exercise information
  • Sign up for your personal program to help you achieve your goals in mind/body health, weight management, nutrition, and fitness

As a Kaiser Permanente member, you may:

  • Be requested by your primary care physician to get diabetes lab tests (hemoglobin A1c, LDL, urine microalbumin, and ALT)
  • Participate in related health education classes.
  • Contact your primary care physician to discuss if the Level II, Diabetes Care Management Program is right for you.

Diabetes Information:

Resources