Diabetes Self-Management in Rural America as a Public Health Issue

Key points

  • 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes.
  • Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) helps manage diabetes, but most rural areas don't have DSMES programs.
  • 62% of rural counties in the United States do not have diabetes self-management education and support.
Glucometer and Sugar Level Healthy Food

Overview

In the United States, about 1 out of every 10 people (30.3 million) has diabetes. Diabetes is a long-lasting health issue that requires complex daily decisions and care activities.

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) gives patients the knowledge and skills they need to manage their diabetes. DSMES can also teach patients how to prevent or delay complications, lower high blood sugar levels, and improve health outcomes. Unfortunately, 62% of rural counties don’t have a DSMES program available.

An image of a man looking at a folder held by a woman wearing a white coat and a stethoscope. There is text saying, "62% of rural counties don't have a diabetes self-management education and support program. These programs can help people with diabetes lower their risk for diabetes complications, including heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness. www.cdc.gov/diabetes"
Many rural counties don't have a DSMES program.

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Content Source:
Public Health Infrastructure Center