Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support in Rural America

In the United States, 30.3 million people (about 1 in 10) have diabetes, a chronic condition that requires complex daily decisions and care activities. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) provides patients with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their diabetes, prevent or delay complications, lower blood sugar levels, and improve health outcomes. However, 62% of rural counties don’t have a DSMES program.