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"Learning to manage your diabetes is something that takes personalcommitment, but it's worth your time and effort," said Mary Jane Osmick, M.D.,medical director at LifeMasters. "Once you learn to better manage your bloodglucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight by keeping them in the rightranges, you can decrease your risk of diabetes complications. Make sure youget your A1c test at least twice a year and keep your number under 7."
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Dr. Osmick provides the following tips for individuals to take bettercontrol of their diabetes.
About LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc.
LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. is a leading provider of healthpromotion and disease management programs and services that create healthpartnerships among individuals, their physicians and payors. Its mission is toempower individuals to achieve and maintain optimal health. The programsimprove quality of care for people with risk factors and chronic conditions,reduce healthcare cost trends for payors and provide decision-support toolsand information for physicians. LifeMasters offers programs for individualswith diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD),chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension and asthma (all ofwhich are fully accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance(NCQA) and URAC), cancer, metabolic syndrome and musculo-skeletal pain.LifeMasters' programs are holistically focused, support co-morbidities such asdepression and facilitate lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation andweight loss. LifeMasters provides services to over 650,000 people throughoutthe nation.
Founded in 1994 by a physician, LifeMasters works with some of thenation's leading health plans, employers, retirement systems and governmentalorganizations, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, StateTeachers Retirement System of Ohio, and Presbyterian Health Services in NewMexico. More information about LifeMasters can be found athttp://www.lifemasters.com or by calling 1-800-777-1307.
Media Contact: Barbara GideonLifeMasters Tips for Diabetes Health Management 1. Control your blood glucose level: Uncontrolled blood glucose (the amount of sugar circulating in your blood) can damage your eyes, kidneys, the circulation in your feet, your nerves and even your heart. Learn to test your blood glucose at home and if you do not know how to do it, ask your doctor or health coach to teach you. There is another blood test called an A1c that is a critical marker of longer term blood glucose control. The A1c gives you a view of your blood glucose level over 3 months. The A1c should be below 7, and in some cases lower. Make sure to get an A1c at least twice a year, or more if your doctor orders it. Talk to your doctor about your A1c test and find out what level is best for you. When your blood glucose and A1c are under control, it helps protect the rest of your body from complications of diabetes. 2. Stop smoking: Diabetes adds to your risk of blood vessel disease (for instance, heart attack and stroke). Smoking adds to these already increased risks of diabetes. It is not easy to quit, but quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you smoke, work with your doctor