Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)
Diabetes is a complex and costly disease that affects millions of people in the United States. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US and costs an estimated $327 billion annually due to increased medical costs and lost wages. Better health management can help people with diabetes live longer, healthier lives.
What is Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)?
DSMES is “the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care.” A diabetes educator will help you learn how to take care of yourself, guide you through treatment, and help you with any fears and issues you encounter along the way.
Who should participate in diabetes education classes?
- People recently diagnosed with diabetes
- People with uncontrolled diabetes
- People who want tools and resources to cope with the emotional impact of diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Patients who would like to learn how they can reduce other health problems
How can I receive diabetes education and support?
Participate in the MedsPLUS DSMES services which provides education, resources, and ongoing support to help you successfully manage diabetes.
Benefits
- Help you develop problem-solving skills and attain ongoing decision-making support that is necessary to self-manage diabetes.
- Positively impact your lifestyle changes, such as eating patterns and activity levels, which lead to a decrease in A1C, improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve medication adherence, prevent or delay diabetes complications, and improve quality of life.
- Reduce hospital admissions and readmissions thereby decreasing overall healthcare costs.