Type 2 Diabetes Management

Type 2 Diabetes Management with Medicare and Exercise

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Lu Young RN

A study based on YMCA research has shown that type 2 diabetes management with Medicare and exercise can both save money and make more healthy.  Exercise has been proven to decrease insulin resistance, lower blood pressure, decrease stress levels, and provide better more restful sleep levels.

While you should start an exercise program, never do so without first checking with your doctor or GP.

Medicare could save billions of dollars if people who were pre-diabetic or at risk for cardiovascular disease took part in community-based weight-loss programs, a study finds.

Researchers projected cost savings for the government healthcare program if millions of people in the U.S. age 60 to 64 participated in a program that helped them lose weight and gain more healthful lifestyle habits. They based their findings on an existing YMCA diabetes prevention program that is, as of this year, at 50 facilities in 24 states. In a study of a similar program, participants lost an average 7% of their body weight and maintained that over 2.8 years. The prevalence of diabetes went down 71% among people age 60 and older.

Their projection was based on a scenario in which the program would roll out across the country and target adults age 60 to 64–those not eligible for Medicare yet–who are pre-diabetic, with a body mass index greater than 24 (considered overweight or obese), and who show risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

If 70% of eligible people age 60 to 64 with a BMI of 24 or higher enrolled, the program would cost $590 million. But that would also mean a net savings of $2.3 billion to Medicare over 10 years and a net lifetime savings of $9.3 billion.

“Diabetes is expensive to treat,” says Kenneth Thorpe, a professor at Emory University, in a news release.

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A successful type 2 diabetes management with Medicare and exercise program starts with a visit to your doctor or GP.  You will need the following checked with your doctor:

1.  Blood glucose level (and/or HgbA1C)

2.  Your heart and circulatory levels thoroughly checked out (including blood pressure, cholesterol, and lipid levels)

3.  Your feet (do they have good circulation?  Do you have decreased feeling in your feet? You doctor can test for these).

Never start a type 2 diabetes management with Medicare and exercise program with a visit to your doctor GP.  NEVER!