Have you talked to your patients about the DSMES program today?

Diabetes Self‑Management Education and Support (DSMES) is an evidence‑based program that gives people with diabetes the tools they need to manage their condition day to day. It connects patients with certified diabetes care and education specialists who teach practical skills and help them build a personalized care plan.

DSMES can make a real difference. It helps improve blood sugar, lowers the chance of hospital visits, reduces complications, and even cuts overall diabetes‑related costs. But even with all these benefits, fewer than 7% of eligible patients take part in the first year after diagnosis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DSMES is especially helpful right at diagnosis, once a year for ongoing support, when new complications show up, and when life changes make diabetes harder to manage. For people on Medicare, the program is covered during the first year under Part B benefit called Diabetes Self‑Management Training (DSMT).

If you have patients who could benefit, we encourage you to let them know about DSMES and consider referring them. Patients can also use the CDC’s locator tool to find a program near them.

Visit the CDC's About Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support page to learn more about the program.