Diabetes management program
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that coverts sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. There are two major types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin. This type of diabetes is common among children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas makes some insulin, but either it is not enough or the body's cells do not use it correctly. This type of diabetes is found more commonly in adults.
If not managed properly, diabetes can have serious, even life-threatening effects on your health, including heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage. Talk with your doctor about a diabetes management plan.
About the Diabetes Management Program
BCN members 18 or older who have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are eligible for this program that helps you understand diabetes and how you can better manage your condition. A few times each year, you will receive the Lifestyles for Diabetes newsletter.
If you have a referral from your primary care physician, BCN will cover the cost of classes to help you manage your diabetes. Copayments may apply.
Call 800-392-4247, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), to learn more about the Diabetes Management Program and to ask for information about diabetes in children and teens.
Diabetes Physician Recognition Program
Some BCN physicians and physician groups have completed the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program certification provided by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Diabetes Association. Look for your doctor’s name in this NCQA listing of all doctors who are certified in the program. The list is alphabetical.
To learn more, visit the following Web sites
page modified 09/10/2009