Diabetes Management

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is the process of facilitating the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for diabetes self-care. This process incorporates the needs, goals, and life experiences of the person with diabetes and is guided by evidence-based standards. DSMES programs utilize diabetes educators who are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in empowering people with diabetes to take charge of self-managing their diabetes. The overall objectives of DSMES programs are to support informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, problem-solving, and active collaboration with the healthcare team and to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life.

When to Seek Support for Diabetes

• At diagnosis of diabetes
• Annually or more frequently if you’re not meeting treatment targets
• If changes to medication occur
• If new or complicating factors arise
• During life’s transitions or hardships
• If changes to your healthcare team occur

Benefits of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

• Gain a working knowledge of diabetes and its self-management
• Develop problem-solving and stress-management skills
• Adopt healthy eating and physical activity habits
• Understand how to use diabetes devices and how diabetes medications work
• Effectively control blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels
• Improve overall health and quality of life
• Reduce the risk of diabetes related complications
• Reduce the risk of other health conditions
• Effectively utilize primary care and preventative services
• Lower health care costs

Insurance Coverage

Medicare Part B covers up to 10 hours of DSMES. You must have a written order from a doctor or other health care provider to be eligible for a DSMES program.

A majority of private and commercial insurers reimburse DSMES. Check with your insurance company for details.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs by County

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, talk to your doctor about joining a Diabetes Self-Management Education Program in your area.

For additional DSMES programs, visit the American Association of Diabetes Educators website here.