Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support (DSMES)

Helping You Take Control of Your Health

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. At Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, our Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program, also called Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT), helps you build the knowledge, confidence, and daily skills to manage your diabetes and live a healthier life.

Our program is accredited by the American Diabetes Association and is covered by Medicare Part B and most private insurance plans. You’ll work one-on-one with a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) who will design a plan tailored to your lifestyle, culture, and goals.

To schedule an appointment, talk with your provider or call 641-444-5709.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body has trouble using or making insulin, the hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells for energy. When insulin doesn’t work properly, glucose builds up in your blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss.

Common Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes – An autoimmune condition where the body stops making insulin. It’s often diagnosed in children and young adults and requires insulin therapy for life.
• Type 2 Diabetes – The most common form, where the body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance). It can often be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin.
• Gestational Diabetes – Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery, though it increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Prediabetes – Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range. Lifestyle changes can often reverse it.

Understanding your type of diabetes helps your educator create the best plan for your unique needs.

Why DSMES Matters

Diabetes care is a daily process. DSMES helps you learn what affects your blood sugar and how to manage it confidently. You’ll get evidence-based guidance and ongoing support to help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

Seven Key Areas of Diabetes Self-Care

1. Healthy Eating
   Learn how food choices impact blood sugar. Our educators help you create a flexible eating plan that fits your favorite foods, schedule, and budget.
2. Being Active
   Regular movement improves blood sugar control, mood, and heart health. Together, we’ll build an activity plan that fits your fitness level.
3. Monitoring
   You’ll learn when and how to check your blood sugar, interpret results, and identify high or low blood sugar symptoms.
4. Taking Medication
   Understand how insulin and other medications work, how to use them safely, and how to manage side effects.
5. Problem Solving
   Learn how to handle challenges like illness, travel, or changes in routine without losing control of your diabetes.
6. Healthy Coping
   Management of diabetes can be stressful. We’ll help you recognize burnout and find ways to stay positive and motivated.
7. Reducing Risks
   Lower your risk of complications by tracking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and kidney health. Early prevention leads to long-term wellness.

Proven Benefits of Diabetes Education

Studies show DSMES helps improve health outcomes and quality of life.

• Lowers blood sugar (A1C) levels
• Improves blood pressure and cholesterol
• Reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease
• Increases confidence and emotional well-being

Even a 1% decrease in your A1C can reduce your risk of:

• 37% for eye and kidney complications
• 21% for diabetes-related death
• 14% for heart attack

When to See a Diabetes Educator

It’s never too early or too late to benefit from DSMES. Consider scheduling an appointment:

• When you’re first diagnosed with diabetes
• During your yearly checkup
• When your treatment plan changes
• If you develop new symptoms or complications
• During transitions such as pregnancy, menopause, or hospital discharge

How to Get Started

1. Get a referral from your primary care provider.
2. Schedule an appointment with one of our diabetes educators.
3. Start learning practical ways to manage your diabetes and feel your best.

Call 641-444-5709 or talk to your provider to get started. You can also visit our Diabetes Education Providers page to meet our dedicated team.

Take the First Step Toward Better Diabetes Control

You don’t have to face diabetes alone. Our specialists will meet you where you are, offering personalized support to help you make changes that last.

Call Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics or fill out a patient form today to begin your journey toward better health and confidence in managing your diabetes.