Diabetes Education

Diabetes Self-Management Education

Sun City Dietitians is now offering Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and is proudly recognized by the American Diabetes Association®.

What is diabetes self-management education? Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is an evidence-based intervention that facilitates the knowledge and skills of people with diabetes to optimize their ability to self-manage the disease. Several research studies comparing group-based DSME with standard diabetes treatment showed a significant improvement in clinical, lifestyle, and psychosocial outcomes (Steinsbekke, 2012).

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ABOUT DSME

The American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialist developed seven self-care behaviors that are widely known as the guiding principles for participants in a DSME program:

Healthy Eating
Being Active
Monitoring
Taking Medication
Problem Solving
Healthy Coping
Reducing Risk

These guiding principles form the foundation of the DSME curricula at Sun City Dietitians. A team of certified diabetes educators, dietitians, kinesiologists, lifestyle coaches, and health educators empower participants in informed decision-making; and reinforce self-care, problem-solving behaviors, and a collaborative approach with their healthcare providers to improve their diabetes outcomes.

Participant Eligibility

In order to qualify for our DSME services, an individual must meet the following criteria:

Documentation of diagnosis of diabetes

Chart note or referral from provider noting confirmed diagnosis

Active referral and most recent chart note from provider

Provider must be an MD, OD, NP, or PA

Recent lab work to include A1C

We require at minimum A1C, but we recommend a full panelLabs cannot be older than 6 months

Class 3

Problem Solving and Risks/Complications

Class 1

Class 4

Exercise and Healthy Coping

Intro to Diabetes and Nutrition

CLASSES

Class 2

Medications and Monitoring/ Labs

Continued Group Support with healthy cooking