Managing your sickle cell anemia

Managing sickle cell anemia involves a comprehensive approach that includes regular medical care, healthy lifestyle choices and proactive measures to prevent complications and manage symptoms. Learn more about your sickle cell disease including symptoms, treatment and how you can manage the condition to stay healthy. 

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What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic red blood cell disorder. It changes normal, round red blood cells into cells shaped like crescent moons. Sickled cells can get stuck in blood vessels and block them, which stops oxygen from getting through. That can cause a lot of pain and can harm organs, muscles, and bones.

What is a sickle cell crisis?

A sickle cell crisis is a painful episode that may begin suddenly in a person who has sickle cell disease. A sickle cell crisis occurs when a sickle-shaped red blood cells clump together and block small blood vessels that carry blood to certain organs, muscles and bones. This causes mild to severe pain and other problems. 

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Take your medicines as prescribed
  • Know exactly how and when to take your medications.
  • Take your meds on time. Use notes or a smartphone app.
  • Have your medication with a small meal or snack to avoid side effects.
  • You may need to take the medications for a long time.
  • Talk to your doctor before stopping medications.
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Fill your medications on time
  • Set up automatic refills or refill reminders at your pharmacy,
  • Consider using our mail order pharmacy to get a three month supply of medications mailed to your home. Contact Cornerstone Health Solutions at 844-319-7588 to get started.
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Monitor your blood sugar levels
  • Blood sugar testing shows how well your medications are working or how your food intake, exercise or illnesses are affecting your blood sugar levels.
  • Check blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter. Follow your doctor’s advice on how often you need to check your blood sugar level. Keep a record of your levels to discuss with them.
  • If you take insulin, check your blood sugar before meals and snacks as well as before and after exercise.
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Know your target blood sugar range

The American Diabetes Association recommends the following target blood sugar levels:

  • Before meals: 80-130mg/dl
  • Two hours after meals: Less than 180mg/dl
These goals vary based on your age and personal health. Ask your doctor what your specific target goal should be.

Tips for preventing problems and staying healthy

Here are some things you can do to help prevent problems when you or your child has sickle cell disease.

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Make and follow a plan for how to treat pain
Work with your doctor to make a plan that includes instructions on how to treat pain at home. Your plan should also tell you when you need to go to the hospital if your pain gets worse.
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Avoid infections
Make sure that you and your child get all the recommended vaccines on schedule. To help your child with sickle cell disease, make sure that your child takes antibiotics until age 5. And help your child avoid contact with anyone who might have Fifth disease. A virus that causes Fifth disease can suddenly stop the body from producing red blood cells. This is called an aplastic crisis.
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Get routine eye exams
Eye exams can find problems early.
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Eat healthy foods
Healthy eating helps keep your body’s immune system strong. Talk to your doctor about what foods can help stay healthy and any dietary supplements you may need.  
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Need help managing your sickle cell disease?

Our care management programs are designed to offer additional support to members who want help navigating their healthcare needs. Care managers help you coordinate with your providers to ensure that you are receiving proper follow-up care, medication management, transportation to appointments and medical equipment as needed.

To learn more about our care management programs, call 866-853-5241 (Massachusetts) or 855-833-8119 (New Hampshire).

Support groups

American Society of Hematology (ASH)

Research, policy advocacy, and improving access to care for individuals with SCD.

Sickle Cell 101
Education and awareness through social media and digital platforms, particularly targeting youth and underserved communities.
Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation (CSCF)
Supporting children with SCD and their families through education, advocacy, and community programs.
World Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Uniting organizations globally to improve the lives of people with SCD.

Helpful resources