NTTAC
NATIONAL TRAINING &
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a personalized program that helps people with diabetes learn practical skills to manage their condition in everyday life. It covers topics like healthy eating, physical activity, blood sugar monitoring, medication management, and reducing risks of complications.

DSME has been shown to:

• Improve blood sugar control and HbA1c levels

• Help prevent or delay diabetes complications

• Reduce emergency care visits and hospitalizations

• Lower healthcare costs

• Improve overall health and quality of life

DSME is typically provided by diabetes care and education specialists, who may be registered nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals certified in diabetes education

Many insurance plans cover DSME. Medicare covers up to 10 hours of DSME in the first year after diagnosis. Coverage may vary after the first year. Check with your insurance provider for specific benefits

DSME covers seven key self-care behaviors:

1. Healthy eating

2. Being physically active

3. Monitoring blood sugar

4. Taking medications as prescribed

5. Problem solving

6. Healthy coping

7. Reducing risks

Yes, FQHCs must have an accredited program through the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) or the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to bill Medicare for DSME.