 Diabetes self-management education (DSME) teaches the skills you will need to manage your diabetes and control your blood sugar every day. By keeping your blood sugar in control, the risk for getting complications of diabetes can be reduced. In DSME classes, people with diabetes learn how food, what medications, exercise, and emotions can affect the blood sugar. Learning those skills allow a diabetic to achieve a balance of these factors and keep blood sugar in control every day.
DSME is much more than attending a class. It includes time with a diabetes' educator and a dietitian. These professionals help the individual devise a plan to meet his or her particular needs and preferences.
Why should people with diabetes attend these classes?
Several studies have demonstrated that DSME programs help people with diabetes achieve better blood sugar control. Keeping the blood sugar close to normal delays the onset of -- and may help to prevent -- serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. Self-management education is a critical part of the medical plan for people with diabetes. In addition to conducting the class, most diabetes centers offer continuing assistance to patients through support groups, newsletters, and other activities.
Topics covered during classes include:
- The disease process
- Nutritional management
- Physical activity
- Medications
- Monitoring
- Preventing, detecting and treating acute complications
- Preventing, detecting, and treating chronic complications
- Goal setting and problem solving
- Psychological adjustment
- Preconception care, management during pregnancy and gestational management
Where can I find a place to attend these classes?
Free classes are held monthly at the McCready Foundation, 201 Hall Highway, Crisfield.
To learn about joining a DSME class, call 410-968-3194 or send a question to Sandy Sturgis by e-mail at ssturgis@mccreadyfoundation.org.
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