4 Reasons Chronic Care Management Is Essential for Diabetes

Diabetes is the name for a group of diseases affecting millions of people across the globe. The type most are familiar with is Type 2 diabetes. Of the 10.5% of the global population with diabetes, 90% have the Type 2 version. 

This chronic condition can lead to life-threatening complications, so managing care is important. At Quality Health Source in Mableton, Georgia, Dr. Temeka Johnson and her dedicated staff offer chronic care management to help those struggling with diabetes.

All forms of diabetes stem from having too much blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which your body controls by a hormone called insulin that your pancreas produces. The differences among the most common types of diabetes revolve around this primary issue:

• Type 1: an autoimmune illness that attacks the cells that create insulin
• Type 2: your body resists insulin, causing problems in many systems in your body
• Gestational: occurs during pregnancy, raises future Type 2 risk
• Prediabetes: a rise in glucose levels that precedes Type 2 diagnosis

Less common forms of diabetes include:

• Type 3c: damage to the pancreas that affects insulin production
• LADA: similar to Type 1 but develops in people over 30 
• Neonatal: a genetic mutation within a baby’s first 6 months

What’s chronic care management?

This program helps patients dealing with medical conditions lasting at least six months. It covers medications, lifestyle counseling, and medical care when necessary. It starts with a full exam to allow us to determine your care needs to help improve your quality of life.

In addition to managing Type 1 and 2 diabetes, chronic care management can help with a wide range of medical and mental health conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and depression/anxiety.

How chronic care management helps people with diabetes

Benefits of chronic care management include:

Coordinating specialist services

Diabetes affects many body systems. If your situation requires treatment or guidance from a specialist, such as a podiatrist or eye doctor, we can coordinate and refer you to them.

Health education

We can provide information about your condition and how to manage it at home, for example, how to check your blood sugar and blood pressure.

Symptom management

Keeping track of diabetes symptoms is vital to preventing complications. In addition to monitoring your symptoms during office visits, we help you learn what signs and health changes to look for at home so you can reach out to us for help. 

Telehealth visits

Rather than always having you come in for visits, we can schedule appointments through conferencing on your phone or computer.

If you have diabetes or another chronic condition and want help navigating its challenges, chronic care management at Quality Health Source may be the answer. To learn more, make an appointment with Dr. Johnson and her team by phone or online today.