Research shows that DSMES is important:

• Patients with education and support are healthier than those without
• Managing type 2 diabetes saves time and money, and reduces emergency room visits and hospitalizations
• Education on medication adherence, blood sugar monitoring, and lifestyle changes helps patients improve type 2 diabetes management and outcomes
• Managing type 2 diabetes properly helps curtail or delay serious health complications
• DSMES should be person-centered and may be offered in group or individual settings, can include digital tools, and should align with standards for high quality
• Unfortunately, access to DSMES is very low—despite its cost-effectiveness and coverage in Medicare and other health insurance programs
• Clinicians can work with community health workers and other health champions to assure DSMES for their patients

Seven key areas of DSMES