Diabetes

As one of the founding members of the Oregon Diabetes Coalition, Acumentra Health works to improve the health and quality of life of Oregonians affected by diabetes.

Diabetes is widespread
Complications
Get a diabetes exam
Related links

Note: Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes may be eligible for foot care coverage by a foot care specialist. The benefit—up to two foot exams a year—is available to beneficiaries who

have been diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation, and
have not seen a foot care specialist for any other reason in the covered year

If you have questions about this benefit, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Diabetes is widespread

As a Medicare beneficiary, it is important to know that diabetes is widespread among people older than 65—more than half of Oregonians diagnosed with diabetes are over 65. The complications of diabetes can be serious, even fatal.

Complications

Diabetes can cause stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness, and diabetic neuropathy. Many of these complications can be fatal; some may be present at the time your diabetes is first diagnosed.

Complications can be prevented or delayed by improving patient care and self-management skills. Acumentra Health is working with healthcare providers to do just that.

Get a diabetes exam

Getting a complete medical exam is important, and 90 percent of Oregonians with diabetes see their healthcare practitioners regularly. A diabetes exam is different from a routine physical, however. There are also key screening tests that should be part of each diabetes visit.

At every diabetes visit, ask for

a blood pressure check
a foot examination
a review of your goals for diet, exercise, and blood glucose

At every 6-month diabetes visit, ask for

a hemoglobin A1c test—this indicates blood glucose control over approximately the previous three months

At every annual visit , ask for

a complete foot exam
a urine test for protein
a blood test for cholesterol
a diabetes education update

Also be sure to ask for

an annual dilated eye exam from your eye doctor
an annual complete check up from your dentist
a flu shot every year during flu season
a pneumococcal shot if you haven't had one

And be sure to check with your health plan to see what other services may be available for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes.