Chronic Disease Management Descriptions
Diabetes
Diabetes, or high blood sugar, is often caused by being overweight, having a family
history or many causes still not fully understood that cause a decrease in the amount
of insulin produced in the body. Common symptoms of Diabetes include:
- » Frequent urination
- » Increase thirst
- » Blurred vision
- » Weight loss
- » A fasting blood sugar over 126
Uncontrolled Diabetes can contribute to kidney failure, heart disease, loss of vision
and infections of the toes and feet. Individuals with Diabetes can often prevent
further health problems by taking medications as prescribed, exercising regularly,
eating a healthy diet cutting out sugary foods and learning to properly use a glucometer
(blood sugar tester) to track sugar levels. The treatment of Diabetes should be
directed under the supervision of a health care provider.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation or swelling of the airways making breathing difficult.
Asthma can be triggered by many things in the environment including exposure to
smoke, pollen, pet fur and dander, chemicals, mold and dust. Common symptoms of
asthma include:
- » Shortness of breath- may occur suddenly after an exposure
- » Severe weakness and dizziness during an asthma attack
- » Increased chest secretions/sputum
- » Chronic cough- often worse at night
Avoiding exposure to asthma triggers is critical to preventing an asthma attack.
Other treatment strategies include taking medications as scheduled, exercising (using
medication before exercise as prescribed), getting proper sleep, eating a healthy
diet and knowing how to handle a severe asthma attack should an emergency arise.
Individuals with asthma also should know how to use a peak flow meter daily to gauge
how their breathing is doing. The treatment of asthma should be directed under the
supervision of a health care provider.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the inability of the heart to sufficiently pump
blood to maintain the needs of the body. CHF is often the result of damage caused
by a heart attack or other injury to the heart. Common symptoms of heart failure
include:
- » Shortness of breath
- » Fatigue
- » Water weight gain- swelling in legs
- » Chronic cough
- » Loss of appetite
Individuals with CHF can help control their symptoms by taking their medications
as directed by their health care provider, keeping weight in check and regular exercise.
Congestive heart failure treatment should be directed by a health care professional.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease (also referred to as Coronary Artery Disease) is the build
of fat (plaque) and clots on the lining of the blood vessels in the heart. Cardiovascular
Disease (CVD) is often caused by diets high in fat causing an increase in cholesterol.
Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and family history also contribute to the
development of CVD. Common symptoms of CVD include:
- » Chest pain
- » Shortness of breath
- » Heart attack and/or failure
- » Irregular heart rhythms
- » Fatigue
Cardiovascular Disease is most commonly associated with leading to heart attack.
Individuals with CVD may also require taking medications to lower cholesterol levels
in the blood to prevent fat from building up inside the blood vessels of the heart.
Other steps individuals can take to prevent CVD from occurring or worsening include
taking medications as scheduled, eating a healthy diet low in trans and saturated
far, quitting smoking, engaging in regular exercise and reducing weight. The treatment
of cardiovascular should be directed under the supervision of a health care provider.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure is the result of a constriction (tightening)
of arteries and veins. High blood pressure can be caused by many different diseases
and is often associated with smoking, being overweight and having a family history
of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure include:
- » Headache- often persistent and recurring
- » Blurred vision
- » Protein or blood in the urine
- » Hemorrhages or blood clots in the back of the eye
- » A systolic blood pressure (top number) over 120 or diastolic (bottom
number) over 80.
If high blood pressure is left untreated many serious health problems may arise
including kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, heart attack or loss of vision.
Individuals with high blood pressure can often prevent further health problems by
taking medications as prescribed, quitting smoking, eating healthy, engaging in
regular exercise and reducing weight. The treatment of high blood pressure should
be directed under the supervision of a health care provider.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is caused by damage to the kidneys brought about by
things such as high blood pressure, exposure to chemicals, drug and alcohol abuse.
Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease have trouble getting rid of and filtering
certain waste products from their blood. Common symptoms of chronic kidney disease
include:
- » Swelling in the feet and legs
- » Fatigue
- » Cold intolerance
- » Blood in the urine
- » More, or less, urination than normal
While many individuals can live for many years with CKD, some may have their disease
worsen leading to kidney failure that may require dialysis. Individuals can often
control their kidney disease by taking their medications, watching fluid and sodium
(salt) intake, frequently monitoring weight and eating a healthy diet. The treatment
of Chronic Kidney Disease should be directed under the supervision of a health care
provider.
Serious Mental Illness, Serious
Emotional Disturbance, & Depression
People who get services for behavioral or emotional illnesses or addictions should
see their doctors and counselors often. You will help take care of yourself if you:
- » Keep your appointments with your behavioral health counselor
- » See your primary medical provider regularly
- » Follow-up with your behavioral health provider after any hospitalization
- » Understand your medicines by talking to your pharmacist about
them
- » Obtain your annual flu shot
- » Wash your hands to avoid germs that make you sick
- » Contact your doctor if you feel different or you think you might
harm yourself or others
You can manage your behavioral health conditions. You can enjoy life, your family
and friends. It is good to seek activities that provide you with exercise. Exercise
will strengthen your heart and muscles. Activity is a way to think about other things
than your daily aches and pains.
Tell your doctors about all of the medicines, drug store remedies, or nutritional
supplements that you take. These items can sometimes make you sick when you take
them with medicines your doctor asks you to take.
What you eat is important for your health. Ask your pharmacist if there are any
foods you should avoid. Also, ask if you should take your medicine with food or
on an empty stomach. Some medicines should not be taken at the same time as you
drink certain beverages such as milk or specific juices.
Finally, eating healthy foods can help you feel more energetic. It will keep your
bones strong and your body at a healthy weight. Some medicines that are helpful
for your condition may cause weight gain. By eating less and keeping active, you
can feel better emotionally and do more things. Walking can be a good source of
exercise. Always ask your doctor before starting to exercise.
If you would like more information about behavioral health care, call:
- » ADVANTAGE Care Select Member Services: 1-800-784-3981
- » ADVANTAGE Care Select 24-hour Nurse Line: 1-800-244-1896
- » National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Indiana: 1-800-677-6442
- » Mental Health America Indiana: 1-800-555-MHAI
