New data collected by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield suggests many people with diabetes admit they are not taking the basic steps to keep their chronic illness in check.
The data is self-reported collected locally and nationally by government health agencies, according to Excellus. Among other things, it shows 64 percent of adults who have diabetes check their blood sugar at least once a day.
Dr. Richard Lockwood is VP and chief medical officer of utilization management. He says the data show people can take many steps when it comes to preventive health care.
"Getting their eyes examined every year is critical, being physically active, making sure they are checking their blood sugar. Getting flu shots are critical this time of year," he said.
Lockwood says it is important diabetics go to their primary care physician and follow their recommendations to keep their chronic illness in check.
"These are standard recommendations across the country, these recommendations are made by specialty societies in diabetes, and if they go to their primary care physician, follow their directions, this will all be part of it and they'll be healthier for that," he said.
The Centers for Disease Control has additional information at www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing.
