CVS/pharmacy is partnering with Dr. Ian Smith and the 50 Million Pound Challenge to help patients with diabetes gain better control of their disease. The partnership is part of a broader effort by CVS/pharmacy to support diabetes patients.
Nearly 24 million Americans – about one out of every 10 adults over the age of 20 – have diabetes. For those with the disease, keeping it in control is a lifelong challenge that requires the support of a knowledgeable healthcare team to advise on proper care, medication management, and the importance of healthy diet and exercise.
For the ninety percent of Type 2 diabetes sufferers who are considered overweight, keeping the disease in control is a lifelong challenge. African-American adults are twice as likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes. Uncontrolled, diabetes causes African-Americans to experience an even greater threat to suffer blindness, kidney disease and amputations.
“Weight management is one important step in managing diabetes, and for those who have pre-diabetes, it can prevent further progress of the disease,” said Dr. Smith. “If you’re overweight, losing just five to ten percent of your body weight will improve diabetes control.”
There is a close link between diabetes and obesity, especially in the black community.
Here are some of the benefits of the program:
• Save Money on Diabetes Costs: CVS/pharmacy is expanding the ExtraCare rewards program to provide benefits for diabetes patients and their caregivers. The new ExtraCare Advantage for Diabetes program will provide members with discounts on diabetes care supplies while allowing patients to earn money back for each prescription filled.
• Free Health Screenings: Over 250 “To Your Health” free community health events are taking place in Atlanta, DC and Philadelphia. Free diabetes, blood pressure, osteoporosis, cholesterol screenings, and more.
• Tips from a CVS pharmacist: Interested in a conversation with a pharmacist about additional ways people with diabetes can manage their disease and costs on an ongoing basis? CVS pharmacists can help.
Dr. Ian Smith recently took time out to speak with Elev8. Check it Out here:
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Dr. Ian Smith And CVS/Pharmacy Partner For Diabetes Awareness was originally published on elev8.com
