Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is joining with Albertsons Companies to provide ‘Managing Your Diabetes’ classes to help BCBSNM members understand and proactively control their diabetes and general health. The no-cost classes are part of BCBSNM’s Living365® program, which offers wellness guidance for BCBSNM members through printed materials, classes, online resources and in-home test kits. The ‘Managing Your Diabetes’ classes will be offered during the month of September in 10 Albertsons stores in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas and Las Cruces.
The classes include a “Healthy Eating” grocery store tour led by a registered dietitian, who will help participants learn about making healthier food choices, setting goals, reading nutrition food labels and eating mindfully. The tour ends in the store pharmacy, where a specially trained pharmacist will talk about treatments, blood glucose monitoring, and lifestyle changes to help participants better manage their diabetes.
“The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 240,000 New Mexicans have diabetes,” said Dr. Eugene Sun, vice president and chief medical officer, BCBSNM. “For people living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, maintaining a nutritious diet and following their treatment plan are vital to keeping blood sugar as close to normal as possible. The Managing Your Diabetes classes reinforce these skills and provide an opportunity for members to engage with health care professionals and other patients in their own community.”
The Living365 initiative is to help BCBSNM members with chronic conditions live in good health. The initiative was launched in 2017 with the Albertsons diabetes education classes and tours. BCBSNM members are encouraged to bring a guest to any classes to help teach family and friends how to better understand chronic conditions and health management.