Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

Diabetes care and education specialists are an essential part of any diabetes health care team. They provide evidence-based diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services and help people live well with diabetes. They also can play an important role in helping people prevent type 2 diabetes. CDC has developed a toolkit and training to help you implement DSMES services and resources for working with specific populations.

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes and also increases risk for heart attack and stroke, but it doesn’t have to. Diabetes care and education specialists can help people take steps to reverse prediabetes or slow the onset of type 2 diabetes through the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Services

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services empower people with diabetes to reach their daily and lifetime goals for living well with diabetes.

• The DSMES Toolkit is a comprehensive resource for achieving success in Diabetes Self- Management Education and Support (DSMES). The toolkit offers; resources and tools to assist with the development, promotion, implementation, and sustainability of DSMES services.  Learn about the DSMES Toolkit.
• Expanded use of DSMES can help ensure that all people with diabetes receive the support they need. Encourage people with diabetes to go to their health care provider to get a referral to use DSMES services. These websites list DSMES services recognized by the American Diabetes Associationexternal iconexternal icon or accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care and Educatorsexternal iconexternal icon. Make sure your individual services and/or your organization’s services are listed.