Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico | Blue for Your Health | Spring 2021

When you learn that you have diabetes, your first question might be, “What can I eat?” Diabetic Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services will answer this question and many others. What are DSMES services? DSMES services give you education and support to stay healthy with diabetes and make what you learn a routine part of your life. The education to manage your diabetes usually comes from a diabetes educa- tor in a health care provider’s office. The support to manage diabetes can come from your provider’s office and other community resources. DSMES services will help you: ■ Make better choices about your diabetes ■ Work with your health care team to get the support you need ■ Know how to take care of yourself and learn the skills to: »Eat healthy »Be active »Check your blood sugar (glucose) »Take your medicine »Solve problems »Cope with the emotional side of diabetes »Lower your chance of having other health problems Why are DSMES services important? ■ People who have the knowl- edge and support to handle their D I AB E T E S S E L F - MANAG EME N T E DU C AT I ON AND S U P P O R T S E R V I C E S Helping you manage diabetes better diabetes are healthier than those who do not. ■ Learning how to control your diabetes will save you money and time and help you have fewer emergency room and hospital visits. ■ Knowing how and when to take your medication, how to check your blood sugar (glu- cose), and how to take care of yourself helps you handle your diabetes better. ■ Overseeing your diabetes will help prevent other health problems. ■ The skills you learn will help you take better care of yourself. Diabetes self-care starts with you. How do you get DSMES services? Your health care provider gets you started with DSMES ser- vices. If your provider does not talk to you about DSMES ser- vices, bring it up during your visit. Don’t delay Take better charge of your diabetes in 2021. Get started with DSMES services today! Schedule an appointment with a provider who is in the Blue Cross Community Centen- nial network. If you need help locating a provider, please contact Member Services at 866-689-1523 (TTY: 711 ). If you need a ride to your provider appointment, call ModivCare (formerly Logisti- Care), at least three working days before your visit, at 866- 913-4342 (TTY: 866-288-3133 ). Centennial Rewards are avail- able. To learn more, visit centennialrewards.com or call 877-806-8964 (TTY: 844-488-9722 ). All health care providers referenced are not employed by and independent from BCBSNM. This information is not intended to be a substitute for profes- sional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC.gov: cdc.gov/diabetes/ managing/education.html bcbsnm.com/community-centennial 5