When Alma Cunningham, Administrative Assistant II with the Aviation Department, first received the letter explaining the City’s new Livongo Program, she was hesitant about signing up. However, Alma knew the program, which assists employees with managing their diabetes through a connected meter and coaching service, was just what the doctor ordered. Since things were not going well with controlling her blood sugar, she took the plunge and enrolled.
Her Livongo connected meter with strips and lancets arrived soon after she signed up, and she was surprised to see that it was preset with individual blood sugar targets. The connected meter also provides you with health tips and messages of encouragement while you are waiting for and after you get your results.
“I like to be on target with my blood sugar, because I will receive a kudos, terrific, or great message,” said Alma. “It definitely feels good knowing that I am doing okay.”
Alma can access her information anytime through an easy-to-use portal. She even uses another online application that allows her to add notes, which makes writing down her readings a thing of the past. The information can be sent directly to her doctor or anyone she chooses.
Thanks to the Livongo Program, Alma no longer has to worry about ordering test strips, because the connected meter tracks that for her. When her supply is low, the meter asks her if she wants to order more strips. And just like that, the strips are mailed to Alma at no cost to her.
The connected meter is great, but the coaching service is also an essential part of the program, too. When your blood sugar goes too low (below 50) or too high (400+), the coaching service will call or text you. In addition to that, you have 24/7 access to a coach if you have any questions, concerns, or need help with your food choices, diabetes, medicines, or if you just need some support.
Alma has been participating in the program for just a few months and is already experiencing positive results – her A1C level has decreased from seven to six. She is well on her way to getting better and reaching her goal of getting off most of her medications. To get there, Alma knows she needs to continue learning how to control her diabetes and improving her quality of life. She is thankful to the City for making Livongo available to her, as it is helping her change her life.
To get started today with the Livongo Program, visit start.livongo.com or call 1.800.945.4355. Use the registration code: COSA.