Diabetes Wellness  

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Free Blood Sugar Monitor Offer!

Available to WHA members with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and who want to monitor blood sugar levels, Optum is offering blood sugar meters at no cost. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator. They can help you select the meter that’s right for you. Optum has two models available. 

Get a voucher to redeem locally. When WHA members request a Contour Next meter from Ascensia Diabetes Care fulfillment centers, they will now receive a voucher. Members can use the voucher to redeem a meter at no cost from their local in-network pharmacy counter, where they also obtain test strips and other diabetes supplies. 

Vouchers are available through their call center by calling: 800-401-8440. Vouchers are available on the external Ascensia Diabetes Care website without requiring a login.

For more information, see our flyer for details.

Your doctor will want to check your feet at least annually to detect any signs of trouble with circulation, nerve damage, or the overall condition of your feet. Smoking and high blood sugar levels can significantly affect the health of your feet. 

Check them daily and make sure after you shower or bathe to dry your feet thoroughly, especially in between the toes, to avoid skin breakdowns and infections. Avoid putting lotion between the toes and wear well-fitting protective shoes. Remember to break in new shoes gradually to avoid blisters and other injuries.

• Get more information about foot care.

The A1c is a non-fasting blood test that tells your doctor how well your blood sugar is being controlled (on average) over a 2– to 3–month period. Generally, an A1c of less than (<) 7% is preferred; however, this can vary if you have other conditions. Check with your doctor about the level that is right for your individual health needs. 

An A1c test is recommended up to four times a year. Your doctor will determine how often you need to have an A1c based on your individual health needs.

• Learn more about other all-important tests.

Stopping the cigarette habit greatly improves your risk factors. Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen reaching tissues that can damage small blood vessels, particularly in the hands, feet, kidneys and eyes. Smoking cessation classes can help you get on the right path. Visit mywha.org/classes to find a class near you.

• Learn more about smoking and diabetes.

Experts have found that high blood pressure and diabetes–the “dastardly duo”–seem to go hand-in-hand. For most people living with diabetes, the general goal is to keep their blood pressure less than 140/90. However, maintaining a blood pressure level that fits with your personal health may not be the same for someone else. Your doctor will work with you to help you maintain the blood pressure level that fits your personal health needs.

• Get tips on how to reduce your blood pressure.

Kidneys are remarkable organs that remove waste products from the blood system. Diabetes can damage the kidneys and cause them to lose the ability to filter out waste products; which can result in kidney disease and kidney (renal) failure. Keeping your diabetes and blood pressure under control lowers the risk of kidney disease. A urine test known as albuminuria checks how well your kidneys are functioning and should be done once a year.

If not managed well, diabetes can affect any part of your body. WHA is dedicated to educating members about the importance of preventive care and health screenings, discussing the risks associated with diabetes with your doctor, and educating members about how to prevent complications from the disease. To learn more about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association website.