Overview
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) endorses the 2022 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. Less than 25 percent of the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes achieved target levels for glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Yet only 5 percent of Medicare beneficiaries take advantage of available diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services that could improve their ability to manage their condition.
Since 1986, the American Diabetes Association has been a national accrediting organization (NAO) for DSMES. Over time, 7,000 DSMES services have received our gold standard Education Recognition Program (ERP) designation.
When to refer to DSMES
- At diagnosis or if you have never taken part in a diabetes education program
- Every year
- When it’s harder to manage diabetes, such as:
- Changes in access to food or money
- When there are emotional factors (e.g. stress or anxiety)
- When new health issues arise
- When starting a new medication (e.g. insulin or steroids)
- During changes in life, such as:
- Change in living situation (e.g. divorce or death of a family member)
- Getting new insurance coverage
