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Guideline: Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

Joint position statement from ADA, AADE, and AND

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The American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics new joint position statement on diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) for patients with type 2 diabetes includes the following:

• An algorithm to provide DSME/S through the 5 guiding principles of patient engagement; information sharing; psychosocial and behavioral support; integration with other therapies; and coordinated care.

• An outline for critical times to provide diabetes education and support, including at the time of a new diagnosis, at annual visits, when complicating factors arise, and during transitions in care.

• Sample questions for a patient-centered assessment.

Citation: Powers MA, Bardsley J, Cypress M, et al. Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(7):1372-1382. doi: 10.2337/dc15-0730.

Commentary: As discussed in the position statement, “Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is the process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care.” DSME has been shown to reduce hospital admissions and health care costs by decreasing the incidence of diabetes related complications. It can also reduce HbA1c values by 1% in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, it has been shown to improve quality of life by enhancing self-efficacy and increasing healthy coping skills. Reimbursement for DSME is available through Medicare and most private insurances. Currently only 7% of people with new onset of type 2 diabetes received DSME, so an understanding of its availability and utility can be an important benefit to patients. —Neil Skolnik, MD

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