Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) was identified by the Chronic Disease Action Team as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in uncontrolled diabetes in our community. The Community Guide for Preventative Services recommends DSME as an evidence-based strategy that helps participants control the rate of metabolism to prevent short- and long-term health conditions that result from diabetes and to achieve for participants the best quality of life while keeping costs at an acceptable level. This is an ongoing program in our community.

The audience for DSME is adults, age 18 years and older, with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. DSME aims to make a difference at the individual change level-- working to increase individual's knowledge and influence over his or her attitudes and beliefs regarding diabetes management. Implementation will take place in in community or clinical settings such as community gathering places, recreational camps, worksites, schools, Health Departments, etc.

DSME targets health disparities. Often, residents of low SES are at greater risk of developing a chronic disease and being unable to manage said chronic disease. This program hopes to break that cycle by helping residents learn to manage their disease at no cost.

Counties in NC with North Carolina DiabetesSmart Programs

The partners for this program include:

• Jackson County Department of Public Health
  • Role: Leads classes
• Harris Regional Hospital
  • Role: Leads classes

2016 Updates

DSME Program: This program is offered at two locations-- the Health Department and Harris Regional Hospital. At the Health Department, DSME is offered at no cost. This year, 57 patients attended class with 83 total visits. Additionally, the program instructor received 45 referrals who did not show for their appointment. At the Hospital, DSME is billed to patients' insurance companies. This year, the program was offered through 7 classes, reaching 59 participants. The average HbA1c of patients decreased by 2.58 points and 88% of participants lost weight.