Key points
- DSMES can help people manage their diabetes during difficult times or challenges that come with emergencies.
- It can prevent additional short- or long-term complications, and reduce the number of emergency room or hospital visits.
Managing diabetes during a crisis
Diabetes care and education specialists (DCESs) are certified professionals who deliver DSMES services. They're trained to help patients focus on the skills needed to manage their diabetes. They can also help patients develop a management plan that addresses new challenges that may come with emergencies.
Day-to-day diabetes management can be challenging in the best of times. Add in stress and disrupted routines that come with a crisis, and self-care can be even more daunting. Patients with diabetes are more vulnerable to infections, such as the flu. They're also at higher risk for adverse outcomes if they come down with a serious infection.
Staying at home for an extended time during a crisis could change the status of someone's job, health insurance, or finances. This could negatively affect diabetes self-care including:
- Ability to exercise.
- Access to fresh, healthy foods.
- Having enough diabetes medications and supplies.
- Ability to see their doctors.
- Added stress and anxiety.
Blood sugar management can't wait
Effective blood sugar management is extremely important, especially during a crisis. However, an emergency or crisis can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar that gets too high can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can lead to coma or death. Over time, high or low blood sugar can lead to long-term, serious health problems.
In addition to blood sugar management, DSMES can provide important services to patients, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight management.
Telehealth delivers critical care
When in-person visits aren't possible, DSMES patients can stay in touch through telehealth, text, and video chats.
Telehealth visits can help bridge the gap for patients when they're not able to see you in the office. It can also provide flexibility in scheduling, or add touchpoints if needed in critical times.
Additional information
- Visit the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to learn more.
- Find a diabetes education program.
- CDC Diabetes on Facebook.
- @CDCDiabetes on Twitter