What is……A RECOGNIZED DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM?

Diabetes self-management education/training is a critical part of patients’ success with diabetes.

Accreditation demonstrates to YOU that a Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) program meets accepted standards for providing quality services from the American Diabetes Association. Insurance companies often look for this designation when determining reimbursement. As an example, accreditation is necessary to obtain Medicare reimbursement for DSMT.  Recognized programs utilize a team approach which will be developed and individualized for each participant in collaboration with their physician and certified diabetes educators, including a registered nurse and a registered dietitian.


  Staff pictured: Linda Hassler, Janet Simko, and Diane Jones

The educators can work with you to better manage your disease, and that means a lower risk of complications.  Studies have linked diabetes education with lower hemoglobin A1c levels. 
Whether you've recently discovered you have diabetes or if you’ve been living with it for a while, a recognized diabetes self-management training program can help.  The following areas will help you learn how to manage the disease:

1. healthy eating
2. being active
3. blood glucose monitoring
4. taking medications (including insulin)
5. problem solving
6. healthy coping
7. reducing risks.