On the Right Path to Diabetes Management

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test
A HbA1c test uses blood drawn from a vein in your arm to show your diabetes control for the past few months. The hemoglobin in your red blood cells is what makes them red. The HbA1c test measures how much glucose has been sticking to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Each red blood cell lives about four months, so this test shows how high the blood glucose has been over the past few months.

This test is usually done by a laboratory and it gives a good idea of how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. If you have diabetes, you need this test, even if you are checking your blood glucose at home.

You should have your HbA1c checked at least two times a year. People who take insulin need to get this test about four times a year. Ask your health care provider for the results and record them in your diabetes diary. This test will help you and your diabetes care team keep track of your average blood glucose control.

Cholesterol and Triglyceride Profile
People with diabetes are more likely to have heart attacks at an earlier age than people who do not have diabetes. High levels of lipids (fats) in the blood can lead to a heart attack. Your doctor can do a blood test known as a lipid profile which looks at two fats called cholesterol and triglyceride. The results from this simple test allow you and your doctor to design a plan to reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Get your cholesterol and triglyceride checked once a year. Record the results in your diabetes diary. If your cholesterol is higher than 200 mg/dL on two or more checks, you can do several things to lower it. You can work with your health care team to improve your blood glucose control, you can lose weight (if you are overweight), and you can cut down on the foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. Ask your health care team about foods that are low in fat and cholesterol and about a physical activity program.

Eye Examination
People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious eye problems, such as poor sight and blindness. Diabetic eye disease is one of the most feared long-term complications of diabetes. Even if you can see fine, you need regular, complete eye exams to protect your sight. To detect diabetic eye disease, the pupil must be dilated during the eye exam.

If you have diabetes, you need to have a dilated eye examination by your eye care provider once a year. Even if you have lost your sight from diabetic eye disease, you still need regular eye care.

If you have diabetes, you need these tests. If your health care provider does not suggest them, you need to ask for them.

Medicare covers these services listed below for all Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes (insulin users and non-insulin users). Beneficiaries will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the annual Part B deductible of $100 is met.

Glucose monitor unit
Lancets used to prick finger to get a drop of blood for testing
Blood sugar test strips
Glucose control solutions
Diabetes education

Medicare Diabetes Medical Supplies Coverage*

If you receive glucose monitoring supplies from a supplier without asking for them, Medicare will not pay the cost. You should not pay for supplies you did not request.

Medicare requires you or your caregiver to specifically ask for a refill of your supplies before they are sent to you. The supplier may not automatically send supplies to you.

Automatic shipments of glucose monitor supplies cause waste if you have not used the supplies you already had at home. Eliminating waste saves you money and also helps to protect the Medicare program.

*Information listed on the Health Care Financing Administration website. For additional information, visit Medicare's website, www.medicare.gov.

National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease

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