More than 100 million Americans are affected by diabetes or prediabetes, and that number is only expected to grow. Whether it’s type 1, type 2, gestational, LADA or other cardiometabolic conditions, daily management is needed to reduce complications, support emotional and mental health, and live a life that is not defined by the disease. That’s where diabetes care and education specialists can help.
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is delivered by diabetes care and education specialists. Collaboratively, they work with a person who has diabetes to create a plan of care that is personalized to an individual’s lifestyle, culture, beliefs and environment. Sessions cover everything from understanding how to use devices like meters, insulin pens, pumps and continuous glucose monitors, to interpreting data from these devices to identify patterns and areas of concern. Together, they work to find solutions that address their most pressing challenges.
As the central point of the diabetes care team, diabetes care and education specialists are uniquely positioned to:
- Reduce readmissions and encourage long-term self-management
- Lower costs for your health system, the provider and most importantly the person with diabetes
- Improve quality measures, outcomes and health at an individual and population level
- Improve productivity and performance for your practice, health system or health plan