Managing your diabetes

Managing your diabetes is important in order to prevent serious health problems. Whether you have been newly diagnosed with diabetes or you have lived with diabetes for a long time, we're here to help. 

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What is diabetes?

There are three major types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. It is important to understand which type you have and how to manage it. 

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Take your medicines as prescribed
  • Know exactly how and when to take your medications.
  • Take your meds on time. Use notes or a smartphone app.
  • Have your medication with a small meal or snack to avoid side effects.
  • You may need to take the medications for a long time.
  • Talk to your doctor before stopping medications.
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Fill your medications on time
  • Set up automatic refills or refill reminders at your pharmacy,
  • Consider using our mail order pharmacy to get a three month supply of medications mailed to your home. Contact Cornerstone Health Solutions at 844-319-7588 to get started.
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Monitor your blood sugar levels
  • Blood sugar testing shows how well your medications are working or how your food intake, exercise or illnesses are affecting your blood sugar levels.
  • Check blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter. Follow your doctor’s advice on how often you need to check your blood sugar level. Keep a record of your levels to discuss with them.
  • If you take insulin, check your blood sugar before meals and snacks as well as before and after exercise.
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Know your target blood sugar range

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following target blood sugar levels:

  • Before meals: 80-130mg/dl
  • Two hours after meals: Less than 180mg/dl
These goals vary based on your age and personal health. Ask your doctor what your specific target goal should be.
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Type 1 diabetes
  • Usually diagnosed in children and young adults but can happen at any age
  • The body makes little or no insulin
  • Treated with insulin, diet, and physical activity
  • This type is permanent but taking care of your diabetes will help you feel better and stay healthy
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Type 2 diabetes
  • Most common form of diabetes
  • The body does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal
  • You may need insulin or medication if diet and exercise don’t control your Type 2 diabetes
  • This type is permanent but taking care of your diabetes will help you feel better and stay healthy
Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes
  • Changes that occur in your body while you’re pregnant cause your blood sugar to be too high
  • You can take steps to control your blood sugar and reduce these risks
  • This type often goes away after the baby is born but might not

Tips for staying healthy


  • Manage your medication. Know exactly how and when to take your medications and take them as prescribed.  Set up automatic refills or enroll in our mail order pharmacy to get your medications delivered right to your home. Talk to your doctor before stopping medications.

  • Know your numbers. Maintaining good blood sugar levels will help you stay healthy and stay in control of your diabetes. Ask your doctor what your target blood sugar range should be, and follow their advice on how often you need to check your levels.
  • See your doctor regularly. It’s important that you keep your appointments with your healthcare team in order to better manage your diabetes and live more comfortably. Blindness, heart disease, kidney damage or failure, and complications due to poor blood circulation like impotence and loss of limbs can develop if your diabetes is uncontrolled. 

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Extra support

Our care management programs are designed to offer additional support to members who want help navigating their health care needs. Care managers help you coordinate with your providers to ensure that you are receiving proper follow-up care, medication management, transportation to appointments, and medical equipment as needed.

To learn more about our care management programs, call 866-853-5241 (Massachusetts) or 855-833-8119 (New Hampshire).


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