Care Circle Helps You Stay Out of the Diabetes Loop
It happens over and over: you’ve decided to take control of your diabetes. You’re motivated. You’re excited. You’re tracking your habits and stats like an “A” student. And then…something happens. A vacation, a looming deadline at work, a sick child. Robbed of any chance to record your progress, you have no clue how much you weigh (but you know your pants are tighter). You now have to start all over again…with a lot less enthusiasm.
We’ve all been there. So SFCHC created Care Circle, a program that all but monitors your diabetes for you. With state-of-the-art devices and a range of providers, Care Circle literally gives you the tools to control your diabetes once and for all.
What Success Means for You
The six-month program starts with a visit with your provider and a health educator. They’ll record your weight, blood pressure, A1C level, and medications. Next, you’ll work together to create a list of issues and obstacles specific to you. Finally, you’ll improve your chances of success by setting manageable goals. Instead of vaguely saying “lose weight,” your health educator will help you create specific goals you can really achieve, like:
Start a fun exercise you’ll actually do
Find a healthy recipe that’s also delicious
Weigh yourself every morning
Find a healthy swap for a sugary snack
Take the stairs to work instead of the elevator
With goal setting, there are no wrong answers, and no goal is too small!
“Care Circle gives providers and patients a chance to work together as a team, and to use technology to make sure diabetes care happens both in the clinic and at home.”
Everyone Loves a Goody Bag
Care Circle includes something that makes any new habit easier: free stuff! All Care Circle participants receive a kit that includes:
A digital scale that stores weight and body mass index for you and everyone in your home
A Fitbit to track your activity, heart rate, and sleep
A wireless blood pressure cuff, so you can take readings anywhere
An easy-to-wear Dexcom G7 glucose monitor that continuously measures your blood sugar without finger sticks
An iPad preloaded with apps that connect wirelessly to all these devices
Your Care Circle team will teach you how to use these devices, which you can keep for as long as you’re in the program. Each device records and tracks your progress on the iPad for you and your provider to review anytime. Remembering to record your activity and health readings is no longer something you need to worry about.
Keep in Touch and On Track
The iPad connects you to yet another vital part of your health journey: support. The Healow app allows you to book appointments, send messages, and talk directly with your provider. The Care Circle program also includes regular telehealth check-ins with all the members of your support team:
A health educator or dietician – weekly check-ins for the first month, monthly after that
Your doctor/nurse practitioner – check-ins at three weeks and at three months into the program
A mental health professional – four check-ins during the program (more if you need them)
Care Circle can also connect you with diabetes support groups you can meet with virtually or in person at SFCHC. Someone is always there to aid your progress, celebrate your wins, and remind you to be kind to yourself.
Support 24 Hours a Day
Staying on-track is harder than it ought to be. So, Care Circle provides resources even when your support team isn’t with you:
The Kitchen Keeper, a pamphlet with guidance about serving sizes, suggestions for each food group, and how to plan a balanced plate
The Care Circle website, where you can find recipes and health management tips and hear from other Care Circle participants
A journal for recording your successes, your frustrations, and questions for your care team
No one succeeds alone and more importantly, no one should have to. That’s why Care Circle is aptly named: because when you’re in it, SFCHC has you covered no matter where you turn.
