Key points
- 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes.
- Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) helps manage diabetes, but most rural areas don't have DSMES programs.
- 62% of rural counties in the United States do not have diabetes self-management education and support.
Overview
In the United States, about 1 out of every 10 people (30.3 million) has diabetes. Diabetes is a long-lasting health issue that requires complex daily decisions and care activities.
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) gives patients the knowledge and skills they need to manage their diabetes. DSMES can also teach patients how to prevent or delay complications, lower high blood sugar levels, and improve health outcomes. Unfortunately, 62% of rural counties don’t have a DSMES program available.
Resources
- What the Science Says - CDC MMWR Report
- Policy Brief
- Diabetes Resources - More information from CDC