Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
What is diabetes management?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to disabling and even deadly complications if it is not controlled. Controlling diabetes means keeping blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels near normal – every day over a lifetime. This is no easy task.
Diabetes is complicated, yet most people with type 2 diabetes –the most common form of the disease – have not gotten the training they need to manage it well for their everyday life. There are several evidence-based self-management education programs available to help people with diabetes better manage their disease. These programs help put the patient in charge of day-to-day management, giving the clinical care team more time to focus on complex challenges that may arise with diabetes.
Evidence-based programs
Managing diabetes can be overwhelming. People with diabetes need education and ongoing support in order to cope with their condition, make good self-care decisions, and adopt healthy lifestyles. These proven, evidence-based programs can help.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
In these courses patients work one-on-one with a certified diabetes educator and support team. The patient can learn about diabetes, set goals, get coached in making healthy choices and get their medications adjusted as needed. Most medical insurance plans cover the first 10 hours of DSME/T visits, and two hours each year after that. Patient's will need a doctor's referral.
- Find more information and a diabetes educator near you from the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
Diabetes self-help programs in the community
The Living Well with Diabetes and the Living Well with Chronic Conditions classes are both designed to help you gain confidence in your ability to control your symptoms and understand how your health problems affects your life. The small group classes meet once a week for six weeks for two and a half hours. The classes are guided by a pair of leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals who have a chronic disease themselves. Some workshops may have a fee, but many are free. Find one near you:
- Juniper – Living Well with Chronic Conditions
- Whitney Wellness – List of all health promotion classes offered in the greater St. Cloud area.
- Ask your health care provider or local health system for information on a class near you.