Helpful Tips and Information
We want to share with you some helpful tips, information and resources to help you understand the benefits and services you get as a member of our plan.
In this section, you can read our:
Learn More About Different Health Conditions
Let's Talk About Mental Illness and Diabetes
People living with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are often prescribed antipsychotic medicines. Certain medicines are known to decrease symptoms and improve daily living. They also increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Increased daily movement, improved sleep, eating healthier foods, and getting blood work can reduce the risk.
What You Can Do:
- Consider psychotherapy and medicine to manage symptoms
- Talk to your provider about common side effects.
- Talk to your doctor about what to do before starting and stopping medicines.
- Increase activity, go to bed, and wake up at the same time, and eat well-balanced meals daily.
- See your doctor and complete blood work for HbA1c and LDL-C at least once per year.
- Ask someone you trust to be a part of your treatment plan.
- Use the health checklist to help your providers manage your mental health and overall wellness.
Preparing for Your Visit
Download and print the checklist below. Check the boxes and answer the questions that apply to you. Consider bringing this to your next visit to your provider.
- Bostwick, J.R. & Murphy, L.R. (2017, May 29). Metabolic monitoring of antipsychotic medications: what psychiatrists need to know.
- Calkin, C. V., Gardner, D. M., Ransom, T., & Alda, M. (2013). The relationship between bipolar disorder and type 2 diabetes: more than just co-morbid disorders. Annals of medicine, 45(2), 171–181.
- Mamakou, V., Thanopoulou, A., Gonidakis, F., Tentolouris, N., & Kontaxakis, V. (2018). Schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki, 29(1), 64–73.