What are coaching alerts?
If you’re in our Diabetes Management or Heart Health programs, you have the option to turn on coaching alerts. If your blood sugar or blood pressure reading is above or below the support limits you’ve set, a coach will reach out to you within minutes. They’ll contact you through your preferred method of contact (text or phone call) and help you get it back into target range. This support is optional and can be turned off at any time in your account.
What do the numbers mean?
If you opt into blood sugar coaching alerts, we’ve set default thresholds for your blood sugar levels. You’ll receive alerts if your blood sugar drops below 50 mg/dL or rises above 400 mg/dL. However, you have the flexibility to adjust these settings. You can choose to receive coaching alerts for any blood sugar readings outside the range of 70-180 mg/dL. We’ve changed alert settings to exclude this clinically recommended target range.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a target range of 80-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL 1-2 hours after a meal. Staying within these recommended ranges can help prevent health risks associated with diabetes. However, your individual target range may vary depending on certain factors. Talk with your doctor about a range that is safe for you.
If you opt in to heart health coaching alerts, a coach will reach out if your blood pressure or pulse rate is out of range. These coaching alerts cannot be adjusted to custom ranges at this time.
What are good numbers to use for customizing blood sugar coaching alert settings?
You can choose different high and low blood sugar levels that trigger alerts at any time. It is best to set this range at readings for which you feel you need additional support. Some people choose a value based on when they start to feel symptoms. Consider your diabetes type, medications or your care provider’s input.
How do I set my coaching alerts preferences?
You can set coaching alerts in your Teladoc Health account. Just update your communication preferences in your account settings. You can choose your preferred contact method, set your ranges and even select do-not-disturb hours for blood sugar coaching alerts.. Settings can be changed on the app or in your online account.
And that’s it! When your readings are out of range, a coach will text or call you. Texts will come from 844-981-4079. Calls may come from 866-422-8552 or the coach’s number. You may want to save these numbers in your contacts so that you recognize them. Messaging and data charges from your cell phone service provider may still apply.