November is National Diabetes Awareness Month; resources always available

Each year, November is observed as National Diabetes Month to raise awareness and bring attention to diabetes and the effects it has on the millions of people living with the disease. The prevalence of the disease underscores the need for year-round education and support for those who have been diagnosed as well as their caregivers.

The Center for Healthy Living on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus conveniently provides it. Team members have knowledge and skills to help those with diabetes better understand the disease and live a healthier life. For information on the types of diabetes, visit the center’s diabetes webpage.

Center for Healthy Living programming

CHL offers a variety of programs, including those with a diabetes-related focus.

* Lunch and Learn Sessions -- On Tuesday (Nov. 13), CHL will offer a lunch and learn session from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 307, to learn more about “Taking Control of My Diabetes.” Employees interested in attending can register via www.healthyboiler.com or by calling the center at 765-494-0111.

* “Taking Control of My Diabetes" -- An eight-week diabetes program tailored to those living with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. The eight-week program will cover 16 sessions -- two per class meeting -- on a variety of topics related to type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes to help participants better manage their condition and live healthier lives.

Free True Metrix blood sugar meters and test strips will be available for those who participate in the entire program and maintain monthly coaching sessions with a center health coach after the program ends.

The program will be offered three times in 2019:
-- Feb. 5-April 2, 10-11:30 a.m. (no class the week of March 11)
-- June 11-Aug. 6, 3:30-5 p.m. (no class the week of July 1)
-- Sept. 10-Oct. 29, 8-9:30 a.m.

More information will be shared closer to the session dates.  

Access to specialized health care professionals at CHL

The center provides access to not only medical doctors and nurse practitioners, but also two health coaches, a dietitian and two pharmacists who all can help those living with diabetes in special ways.

* Health coaches: Cheryl Laszynski and Whitney Soto, registered nurse health coaches at the Center for Healthy Living, are able to help individuals manage chronic conditions -- such as diabetes – as well help with other things, such as goal setting, stress management, weight management and more that can directly affect the health of those with diabetes.

* Registered dietitian: Megan Shidler, registered dietitian at the Center for Healthy Living, is available to assist patients looking for in-depth assistance with all things food and nutrition. By choosing the right foods, not only can those with diabetes help control blood sugars but also can protect their heart and maintain a healthy weight. With so many food choices and recommendations, it can be challenging to decide which foods to eat.

* Pharmacists: Chelsea Anderson and Jamie Woodyard, pharmacists at the Center for Healthy Living, are on site to provide medication therapy management and assist patients with all of their medication needs. Both Anderson and Woodyard are available to answer any questions someone might have in regard to their diabetes medications. The pharmacists also work with patients’ primary care physicians and/or endocrinologists to ensure that each patient’s medication list is appropriate and the most cost-effective possible. 

The center is open for medical appointments Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lab hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Employees at the regional campuses can access these resources via the center’s telephonic wellness programs.

To schedule an appointment, call 765-494-0111 or use the patient portal.

Additional resources

Purdue offers other resources to benefits-eligible employees who have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes as well as those diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

* Vision Service Plan (VSP) exclusive member benefits include “diabetes care special offers.” VSP not only provides Purdue’s vision coverage but also offers savings and resources for diabetes-related services:

-- Save on eye exams.
-- Save on diabetic supplies, prescriptions and more.
-- Discounts on hearing aids and batteries via TruHearing.
-- Access diabetes educational materials.

To learn more about the diabetes-related options available via VSP, visit https://www.vsp.com/diabetes-savings-resources.html.

* Anthem Dental allows all individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes an extra dental cleaning per year. Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing gingivitis and gum disease. As an added preventive, Anthem allows for the additional cleaning. For more information, call dental member services at 877-604-2142.

* CVS Caremark offers cost savings to plan members via their “Diabetic Meter Program.” The Diabetic Meter Program is a value-added program offered by prescription benefit plans that provides eligible members with a no-cost blood glucose meter to help monitor blood sugars. For more information, visit www.caremark.com/managingdiabetes or call the CVS Caremark Member Services Diabetic Meter Team at 877-418-4746. 

* Virta Health is benefit for benefits-eligible Purdue employees and spouses covered on a Purdue medical plan age 18 to 69 with type 2 diabetes as well as patients with prediabetes with a BMI ≥ 35. Virta Health provides a customized care plan unique to each person. The program is designed to quickly, safely and sustainably lower A1c, help individuals lose weight while helping to eliminate diabetes medications. Visit www.virtahealth.com/purdue to learn more. Any questions about Virta Health can be directed to support@virtahealth.com.

Questions

Questions about any of the diabetes-related resources listed above can be directed to Human Resources at 765-494-2222, toll free at 877-725-0222 or via email at hr@purdue.edu.