What is Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)? It is a dynamic program in which people with diabetes gain knowledge, self-management skills, and support needed to make changes to better manage their diabetes through ever-changing life situations. It is an interactive, ongoing process engaging the person with diabetes, the caregiver or family, and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). The aim of DSMES is not only achieving health targets but also improving quality of life.
![Diabetes monitoring hardware and smart phone app](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSMES_Monitoring.jpg)
Diabetes in a Nutshell & Monitoring
1st Tues or Thurs of every month
- List behaviors that help you manage your diabetes
- Describe how diabetes affects your body
- Important lab tests, meaning of results & goals
- Understand how monitoring is key to self-managing diabetes
![Diabetes medications](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSMES_medication.jpg)
Healthy Coping & Taking Medications
2nd Tues or Thurs of every month
- Identify Diabetes Distress and healthy coping strategies
- Explain your role in diabetes self-management
- Identify medications available to help manage diabetes
- Understand side effects, tips and storage of medications
![Exercise class](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSMES_activity.jpg)
Healthy Eating & Being Active
3rd Tues or Thurs of every month
- Use the plate method to create balanced meals
- Classifications/effects of different diabetes medications
- Identify sources of carbohydrates & why they affect blood glucose
- List the benefits of physical activity
- Develop a personal activity plan
![Image of a puzzle, a piece is missing revealing the word problem, the piece that fits says solution](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSMES_ProblemSolving.jpg)
Reducing Risks & Problem Solving
4th Tues or Thurs of every month
- List common long-term complications associated with diabetes
- State steps to reduce the risks for complications
- Apply problem-solving techniques to help solve diabetes problems
- Demonstrate where to find resources and support to help manage diabetes
If you’re interested in attending classes talk to your Medical Point of Contact.
Family members can come along with you!
Additional resources will guide you through each class and assist you with prepping to see your Diabetes Care Team.