Diabetes Management and Prevention
If you’re one of the 34 million people in the United States who have diabetes, you understand how costly it can be. It also costs the Fund over $14,000 per member per year! Keeping you healthy is worth it, but there are lifestyle and financial steps you can take to better manage your diabetes.
If you don’t have diabetes, take preventive steps. Over 90% of all diabetes cases are preventable by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
- Make conscious dietary choices. Red meat, sugary drinks and high-carbohydrate foods are okay in moderation, but there are better ways to get your nutrition. Get your protein from fish and your carbs from oats or whole-grain bread.
- Take off a few pounds. Diabetes, inactivity and obesity are connected. Losing even a little weight can lower your risk. The health benefits of light exercise will also help your heart and lungs feel better. If you already have diabetes, exercise can prevent your Type 2 from becoming Type 1.
- Control your blood pressure. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption put additional pressure on your heart. Even foods with too much sodium in them can make your heart work harder.
If you do have diabetes, manage it carefully.
- Keep track of your A1C percentage. If you’re not careful, diabetes can lead to digestive and kidney diseases. A1C measures your blood sugar levels over time. An ideal level for people with diabetes is below 7%, so make sure you’re visiting your primary care provider regularly to get tested.
- A healthy lifestyle is still important. Regular exercise and health-conscious eating helps you avoid complications from diabetes.
FAQs
How do I add my newborn child to my plan?
You must provide the Fund Office with a copy of the child’s birth certificate within 90 days of birth to enroll your child with the applicable date (child’s birthdate). If you fail to do so, within the applicable 90-day period, dependent coverage will not be available under the Plan for your new dependent child until the first of the month following the date in which you provide the Fund Office with the required documentation or any other verifying information requested. A Coordination of Benefits Form (PDF) must be completed if your child has other coverage. You should also visit the Life Events page on this site to see what you need to do for your other benefits.