Diabetes Care Guidelines

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can improve when you and your practitioner work together. To help you manage your condition, Unity follows the diabetes guidelines developed by the State of Wisconsin called Wisconsin Essential Diabetes Mellitus Care Guidelines.

The information on this page is also available in writing by calling Unity Customer Service at 800-362-3310.

See your diabetes care practitioner:

Every 3-6 months for a check up by your primary care physician (PCP)
Annually for a dilated eye exam by an eye doctor- optometrist or ophthalmologist
At least every 6 months for a dental exam

If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, you may have special needs. Discuss regular visits and care with your doctor or nurse.

At each visit, you and your practitioner should assess:

Medications
- to control blood sugar
- to control blood pressure
- to control cholesterol
- to reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke
Home blood glucose monitoring
Frequency of low blood sugar
Eating and weight goals
Weight and height
Moving and exercise
Blood pressure
Teeth and gums
Feet
Tobacco use, including how to quit
Use of beer, wine and liquor
Emotional/sexual health
Other questions or goals

The following should be included in your care every day:

Blood sugar monitoring 2-4 times a day or as your doctor or nurse recommends
Daily foot care. Look at your feet daily for cuts, sores, corns and calluses. Let your doctor or nurse know about any problems including tingling or numbness.
Brushing and flossing your teeth two times a day.

Education:

Healthy eating and meal planning by a registered dietitian or diabetes educator every 12 months.
A class with a diabetes educator every 12 months.

Exercise:

Thirty minutes of physical activity a day for most days of the week.

Immunizations:

Influenza vaccine (flu shot) yearly.
Pneumonia vaccine, with one booster as directed by your doctor or nurse.

Lab tests:

Certain lab tests can provide information and guide your treatment.

A1c every 3-6 months for your blood sugar averages.
Annual urine test for microalbumin (protein) and blood work for creatinine for good kidney care.
Annual cholesterol (lipid) test to check for the amount of good and bad cholesterol in your blood.
Annual potassium check if you are taking a water pill or medicine for your blood pressure.

Medicines:

Use the same drug store to get all your medicines.
Follow your doctor or nurse’s orders for taking your medicine.
If you are having trouble taking your medicine, talk to your doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator

Setting Goals:

Picture where you would like to make changes in the next three months.
Choose a goal you can reach.
Plan easy steps to reach your goal.