DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND SUPPORT (DSMES)
“The ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care, as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage his or her condition on an ongoing basis, beyond or outside of formal self-management training.“
National Standards of Diabetes Care, 2025
WHAT IS DSMES?
On average, a person with diabetes spends less than 1% of their life with their health care team accessing services. DSMES is an evidence-based model that can help you make lifestyle changes essential to your diabetes management, such as:
- Developing healthier eating patterns.
- Increasing activity levels.
- Taking medicine as prescribed.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels, activity, and eating habits.
- Reducing risks to lower the chances of diabetes complications.
- Healthy coping with diabetes and emotional well-being.
- Problem-solving to find solutions and take action.
These changes can ultimately improve your confidence in diabetes management and lead to:
- Improved hemoglobin A1C levels.
- Improved management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Higher rates of proper use of medication.
- Fewer or less severe diabetes-related complications.
- Healthier lifestyle behaviors, such as better nutrition, increased physical activity, and use of primary care and preventive services.
- Enhanced self-confidence.
- Potentially reduce the risk of costly medical expenses by:
- Decreasing diabetes-related complications that may require costly emergency visits,
- Helping make appointments more effective so extra appointments are not needed, and
- Improving shopping skills for obtaining diabetes supplies and nutritious foods.
Click here to watch a video on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.
Learn more about DSMES programs at CDCs DSMES.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE DSMES SERVICES?
There are four key times your diabetes provider can refer you to DSMES services.
Great news! DSMES is covered by Medicare and may also be covered by private health plans. The number of hours covered vary based on the individual plans, but you can always check with your doctor or insurance company to verify coverage.
WHERE CAN A PERSON FIND A DSMES-RECOGNIZED OR ACCREDITED PROGRAM?
There are two entities that can give this recognition or accreditation:
- The American Diabetes Association – Education Recognition Program (ERP). Find an ERP here.
- The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists – Diabetes Education Accreditation Program (DEAP). Find a DEAP here.
Cannot find a location near you using one link? Check the other link, as there may be one closer!