Self-Management Education (DSME)

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) promotes quality education for people with diabetes. The ADA endorses National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

Benefits of Diabetes Self-Management Education

Individualized assessment
Individualized education
Opportunity for family involvement
Improved patient outcomes
Reduced risk of complications
Reduced medical care costs

Classes Offered:

Self-Management Education Classes

Comprehensive Diabetes Education

Provides comprehensive diabetes self-management education for all individuals with diabetes who want to manage their diabetes and achieve successful health-related outcomes. Class includes:

An assessment by the registered dietician and certified diabetes educators (CDE)
An individualized meal plan
A comprehensive foot exam
Approximately seven and one-half hours of group education (addressing the Standards of Care)

Insulin Administration Education
Provides education on insulin and self-injection of insulin in either a group or individual appointment. (Classes last for 1 to 2 hours.) Classes include:

An assessment by the CDEs
A telephone follow-up calls the next day after the appointment
Additional contact as appropriate

Gestational Diabetes Education
Provides information on blood glucose control during pregnancy when gestational diabetes is present. The program content is geared toward meeting the participant’s needs. Pregnancy and Diabetes appointments for patients with diabetes who become, or plan to become, pregnant also are available. These appointments provide information on preparing for pregnancy and/or blood glucose control during pregnancy when diabetes is present. Class includes:

An assessment by the RD and CDEs
Individualized meal plan
Two-hour group education
Additional follow up contact as appropriate

Individual Comprehensive Education
Appointments are scheduled for two hours with the RD and CDEs. We recommend individual appointments for those with hearing or physical limitations, special learning needs, or language barriers. Most insurances and Medicare will not cover an individual appointment unless there is a special circumstance.

Classes include:

An assessment by the RD and CDEs
An individualized meal plan
Two hours of education
Follow up contact as appropriate

Medical Nutrition Therapy
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) involves an individual appointment with a dietitian emphasizing nutrition in diabetes management. MNT is integral to both the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Studies show diabetes patients who receive additional MNT have a slower progression rate of diabetes and its related complications compared to those who do not receive MNT.

Appointments include:

Nutrition assessment and diagnosis
Nutrition therapy/counseling
Meal plan and lifestyle modification
Additional follow-up contact, as appropriate

A physician or licensed practitioner must refer the patient only if insurance requires the referral.

Insurance Information

Medicare:

Covers three hours at 80% in the beneficiary’s initial year.
After the initial calendar year, Medicare covers two hours per year for follow-up at 80%.
A change in diagnosis or medical condition, as determined by a physician, may warrant additional coverage.
This coverage is in addition to the DSME Program offered at Hendrick. Patients receive the most benefit from attending both DSME and MNT.

Private pay insurance varies, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. For more information, contact Michelle Hale at 325-670-2421or michellehale@hendrickhealth.org.

Comprehensive Diabetes Education (evening classes)
Covers three hours at 80% in the beneficiary’s initial year

Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) provide:

Assessment of educational needs
Assessment of current lab values
An overview of diabetes and how your body works
Assistance with patient designed self-management goals
Self-monitoring and use of the results
Individualized meal plan and medical nutrition therapy
Medication teaching and insulin administration instruction
Exercise and activity recommendations
Education regarding prevention and management of acute and chronic complications
Foot and skin care guidelines
The signs, symptoms and treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
Sick day guidelines
Gestational diabetes education

Risk Factors

Getting little or no exercise
Over age 40
Overweight and obesity
A brother, sister, mother, father, or grandparent with diabetes
A member of one of the following ethnic groups – Hispanic, Native American, African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander
History of gestational diabetes

Patient Testimonials

“This is the BEST (including the internet) single source of information I have discovered.”

“I understand now that I’m not “doomed” for life and I will be able to manage this. I’m excited that I will not be alone in this “journey,” and I will have a support group to go to!”

“Every doctor should require all diabetes patients be required to come to class! I felt free to ask questions if needed.”

“Education and information very clear and easy to understand! Thanks! I learned a lot. This was most educational and helpful. All these years with diabetes my doctors had along the way expected me to know it all since I am a nurse. You all were wonderful, most helpful, and truly enjoyable.”

“I couldn’t find anyone who could help me, but you did. I was so confused, but you helped me understand.”

“I found this class to be very helpful and informative. A must if you have diabetes.”

“I believe that every person who is diagnosed with this disease needs to come to a class, because I would have never imagined the meal planning is so important to diabetics. It was a great class. Thank you.”