Healthy Living with Diabetes

 

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) helps people with diabetes learn how to take the best care of themselves. BMH is now accepting referrals for patients who may need this education. Referrals can be made by a provider or self-referrals are also accepted.

 

DSMES provides an evidence-based foundation to empower people with diabetes to navigate self-management decisions and activities. It is a cost-effective tool proven to help improve health behaviors and health outcomes for people with diabetes.

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DSMES will teach you how to stay healthy and how to make what you learn a regular part of your life. 

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DSMES SERVICES WILL HELP PATIENTS:

• Make better decisions about diabetes.

• Work with their health care team to get the support they need.

• Understand how to take care of themselves and learn the skills to:

  • Eat healthy

  • Be active

  • Check their blood glucose levels

  • Take medications appropriately

  • Solve problems

  • Cope with the emotional side of diabetes

  • Reduce the risk of other health problems

 

WHY IS DSMES IMPORTANT?

• People who have the knowledge and support to manage their diabetes are healthier than those who do not.

• Learning how to control your diabetes will save money and time, and help you have fewer emergency and hospital visits.

• Knowing how and when to take your medication, how to monitor your blood sugar (glucose), and how to take care of yourself, helps you manage your diabetes better.

• Managing your diabetes will help you avoid or delay serious health complications.

• The skills you learn will help you take better care of yourself. Diabetes management starts with you.

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It’s important to go for DSMES services when you first find out you have diabetes so you can learn how to take care of yourself. However, it's never too late to learn how to manage your diabetes.