News

World Diabetes Day

drawing of glucose monitor and insulin

November 14th is World Diabetes Day
There are many ways to manage diabetes including more than healthy eating, regular activity, and medication.  Review this flyer from our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ComPsych to learn more about diabetes. Below are UA Benefits that can help with diabetes (and pre-diabetes) management.

Eye Care with VSP
Eye care is an easy way to detect and/or monitor the progress of diabetes. During an annual well vision exam, a provider can complete both a retinal screening (copay applies) and a dilation exam.  An annual dilated eye exam is critical for early detection of any damages to the eyes due to diabetes. Retinal imaging for current members with diabetes are covered-in-full (copay still applies for members without a diabetes diagnosis). If you are currently enrolled in UA Choice VSP, review the VSP Benefits Summary,  contact TouchCare, or contact your local provider’s office to confirm coverage.

Preventive Screenings with Premera
Regular visits with a medical doctor can help determine if you may be pre-diabetic, depending on any symptoms you may be experiencing, or if you meet certain risk factors such as family history, age, and ethnicity.  If you are enrolled in a UA Choice medical plan there are a few preventative screenings covered at 100% that you and your doctor can take advantage of to help determine a diagnosis. If you are unsure what you may qualify, or how often you can receive a preventive examination, contact TouchCare, or contact Premera directly by calling the customer service number on the back of your medical ID card.

  • General wellness exam 
  • Diabetes screening
  • Health education and training to help manage a diagnosis of diabetes
  • Nutritional counseling and therapy

Livongo - Powered by Teladoc
Premera provides pre-diabetes and diabetes support through Livongo - Powered by Teladoc. Visit Livongo's website to check on eligibility for their pre-diabetes and diabetes prevention programs. These programs are free to UA employees and their dependents as long as they are enrolled in a UA Choice medical plan. The pre-diabetes and diabetes program by Livongo provides the following medical devices (free of charge):

Diabetes Program

  • A smart blood glucose meter that connects to your Teladoc Health account
  • Unlimited strips and lancets automatically sent to your door
  • Personalized support from certified diabetes care and education specialists

Pre-diabetes Program

  • A smart scale shipped to your door at no cost to you
  • A CDC-approved  lesson plan so you can educate yourself and create lasting habits
  • Dedicated expert coaching to get advice on nutrition, meal planning and more

Livongo also provides support for hypertension and weight management. These programs are also free. Members can participate in one or more of Livongo's programs. For more information, review the Livongo program on the benefit's webpage, review our recent news articles highlighting Livongo's benefits, reach out to TouchCare, or call 1-800-945-4355. 

Livongo also sponsors a 30-day less sugar challenge. Review the flyer to learn tips and tricks as well as review some recipes.

 

Emailed via benefits newsletter on 11/4/2025.
Contact Benefits: (907) 450-8242 | ua-benefits@alaska.edu | schedule one-on-one time