New guidelines have been released on what type of diabetes self-management education and support should be given to patients, and how and when healthcare providers deliver that information.
The guidelines, presented in a joint statement written by representatives of the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlight four critical times when DSME/S referrals are needed, including at diagnosis, on a yearly basis, when new complications arise and when transitions in care occur.
The statement also includes the type of information and support that should be given to patients at each time, like providing safety guidelines and coping strategies at diagnosis, a reevaluation of treatment goals each year, and more personalized information when a patient’s health status or physical condition changes.
Research has shown that DSME/S improves diabetes outcomes, including reducing the onset and advancement of complications, improving lifestyle behaviors and decreasing the risk of diabetes-related depression. It’s also been shown to reduce diabetes-related hospital admissions.
The new guidelines were presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 75th Scientific Sessions, and have been published online in Diabetes Care, The Diabetes Educator, and the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
