- Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) helps people with diabetes gain knowledge, skills and individualized support for diabetes self-management.
- Adults who receive DSMES (also known as diabetes education) are more likely to practice recommended preventive care.
What did this study investigate?
This study explored three questions:
- Percentage of U.S. adults with diabetes aged 18 years and older who reported receiving diabetes education.
- Whether people who received diabetes education were more likely to follow the 10 recommended self-care and clinical care practices compared to those who did not.
- Whether social, economic, or racial/ethnic differences were observed between those who received diabetes education and those who did not.
Research findings
Only half (52%) of adults with diabetes reported receiving DSMES or any other type of diabetes education.
People who receive diabetes education are more likely to practice self-care practices, such as:
- I don't smoke.
- I check my blood sugar levels every day.
- Check your feet daily for any pain.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
They were also more likely to receive the following clinical care:
- Pneumonia injection.
- A1C test twice a year.
- Annual eye examination.
- Annual influenza vaccination.
- Regular health check-ups.
- Have your feet examined annually by a medical professional.
Among those who received diabetes education, about 25% performed at least 9 of the 10 self-care and clinical care practices, compared with 10% of those who did not receive diabetes education.
Participation in diabetes education was lowest among the following groups:
- People of Hispanic or Latino descent.
- People who didn't have insurance.
- People who live in rural counties.
- People who have not graduated from high school.
What is important about this study?
This study shows that receiving diabetes education is an important part of diabetes care. It discusses the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of diabetes education and increasing participation. It further shows the need for diabetes education materials at appropriate reading levels, customized to individual cultures and languages. Finally, the researchers explore the application of technology and telehealth to deliver care remotely to rural areas.
Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Diabetes