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.
Over 10 million people with diabetes have participated in ADA’s Recognized Education Programs since 2012.
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
