Bonitas Member Magazine B-Living - Issue 2 | Page 19

Introducing the new Bonitas Diabetes Programme In partnership with Medscheme, Bonitas is providing diabetic members with access to a diabetes management programme that focuses not only on diabetes but takes into account one’s entire health status – including comorbidities. how different foods can affect your blood glucose levels is important to the management of this condition. Exercise is another effective way to manage diabetes, as being active helps stabilise blood glucose levels. Diet and exercise are also excellent ways to manage or prevent comorbidities. The programme aims to provide members with access to the treatment they need and to support them through any health challenges they may face and address concerns they may have. Bonitas knows that managing diabetes can be complicated and navigating your healthcare benefits can be overwhelming; therefore, diabetics will have access to a Health Coach who can assist in guiding members to better health. Should you require assistance or have any questions, call us on 0860 002 108 (follow the voice prompts to the Diabetes Management Programme) from Monday to Friday between 8:30 and 16:00 or send an email to [email protected] Other benefits of this programme include access to the required medication and health tests, health and dietary information and access to an individualised Care Plan, which can be shared with your treating doctor. This Care Plan takes comorbidities into consideration and, by considering health holistically, provides a personalised plan for guidance to good health. The most important thing to do is follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor and to talk to your doctor and Health Coach if you are struggling. Diabetes can be managed successfully with a healthy lifestyle, and often the addition of medicine in the form of tablets or insulin injections. It’s best to work with your doctor or a registered dietician to create a healthy eating plan that considers your individual condition. Understanding B-Living Issue 2, 2017 If you have a loved one with diabetes ... Taking care of someone with diabetes can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you: • Keep track of their medication and when they need to take it. It helps to draw up a timetable and stick it up on the fridge. • Learn as much as you can about their type of diabetes. Forewarned is forearmed and you will know what to do in case of an emergency. • Record all the glucose readings if possible, write them down in a notebook or track them in an app. This is always helpful for doctor visits. Page 18