Education and Support

Diabetes is complicated, and it takes practice to manage it in your everyday life. You may be wondering about eating balanced meals, engaging in safe physical activity, checking blood sugar, or giving yourself injectable medicines. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services help you with all these practical skills, whatever stage you’re in or what type of diabetes you have. You’re not in it alone!

What is DSMES?

DSMES services help people live a healthy life with diabetes. DSMES will give you support to manage diabetes in a way that works for you and your lifestyle. You’ll learn practical skills to manage your blood sugar, eat well, be active, and solve problems to help you live well with diabetes.

How will DSMES help me?

DSMES can help you improve your blood sugar levels so you can prevent or delay serious diabetes complications, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss. This improvement can help you avoid emergency care, save money on health care costs, and improve your quality of life. People who participate in DSMES are more likely to have better overall health.

How can I find DSMES services?

Your doctor may refer you to a specific DSMES program, or you can visit the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists or the American Diabetes Association to find a program near you. Once you’re referred to DSMES, you may be able to participate through telehealth, for convenience.

Will my insurance cover DSMES?

Insurance coverage of DSMES varies, but many plans cover diabetes education. Medicare covers up to 10 hours of DSMES (called diabetes self-management training or DSMT in the Medicare system) if you’ve been diagnosed in the past year. Contact your insurance provider for more information about your benefits.

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Get Personalized Support

With lifestyle changes, one size doesn’t fit all. When you participate in DSMES, you’ll work with a diabetes care and education specialist to find what works for you.