Innovative State Diabetes Program Labeled a Success by Blue Cross
The McLean County in the State of Illinois has about 9,500 people or 7% of its population with diabetes. Of those, about 120 die each year from the disease. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois collaborated with McLean County employers and health care providers to develop and implement a diabetes intervention program called Diabetes Checks and Balances.
The first program of its kind in Illinois, Diabetes Checks and Balances encouraged people with diabetes to contact their physician to obtain four tests – a HbA1c, a LDL, and eye exam and screening for kidney disease. More than 600 area participants met the criteria for the exam and 29% completed all four of the tests, twice as many people as in 2006 when it first started.
Of those who participated
*Seventy-nine percent had an HbA1c test, an increase of 14 % compared to 2006.The people with improved blood sugar improved by 13 percentage points.
*Seventy-six percent were screened for LDL, up 14% since 2006. The rate of LDL control increased from 52% to 65%.
*Eye exams increased by 18% compared to the year before.
*Thirteen percent received medical attention for kidney disease.
Getting these tests done are the first step towards better diabetes management. Knowing the test results and taking action to improve the test results lead to better management as well. The program is considered a success in early detection, treatment and management for people with diabetes who may delay or prevent complications associated with their illness thus saving lives and improving quality of life through participation in the program or programs similar to this one.
About the author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
