Value of DSMES
Did you know that people who participate in diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) have a lower hemoglobin A1C? DSMES can also help you lower your risk of diabetes complications and depression. When you sign up for DSMES, you can get help to lower your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Diabetes education saves you time, saves you money, and enhances your quality of life.

Learn the Seven Self-Care Behaviors
Diabetes care and education specialists have developed seven key areas of care. Through DSMES, you’ll learn to improve your management skills in each of these areas:
- apple alt solid iconHealthy eatingto achieve a balanced diet.
- running solid iconBeing activeto make regular movement part of your life.
- medical iconTaking medicineas prescribed by your care team.
- notes medical solid iconMonitoringyour blood sugar levels, activity, and eating habits.
- symbol iconReducing risksto lower the chances of diabetes complications.
- heart iconHealthy copingwith diabetes and emotional well-being.
- lightbulb solid iconProblem solvingto identify the problem, find solutions, and take action.
Page last reviewed: March 11, 2022
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention