Managing diabetes starts with healthy daily habits. Diet and exercise are the most important parts of managing diabetes, and medicine works best with a healthy lifestyle.

Your diabetes medicine helps keep your blood sugar in a safe range and lowers the risk of damage to your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Diabetes medicines may be pills, injections, or insulin. Some people may need to check their blood sugar at home, and insulin doses are often based on these readings.

Make sure to get lab tests done as recommended. These results help your care team see how well your diabetes is controlled. Take your medicine as prescribed. Missing doses can raise blood sugar and make diabetes harder to control.

If taking medicine is hard, try:

  • Setting a phone reminder
  • Using a pill box
  • Keeping medicine in a place that you can see

Talk to your PCP if you have any worries. They can help find choices that work for you.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.