Diabetes is Manageable
For people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, self-management of their condition can make a major difference in their health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), better blood sugar control reduces the risk for eye disease, kidney disease and nerve disease by 40% in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The goals of diabetes self-management education (DSME) are to prevent short- and long-term health conditions that result from unmanaged diabetes, and to achieve the best possible quality of life. When people attend DSME classes, they learn how to manage their diabetes and health.
The Southern Nevada Health District offers FREE DSME classes that allow participants to interact and actively discuss their diabetes, share their experiences, and find helpful resources to eat better, get more active and better manage their diabetes.
Our next diabetes self-management classes will be held on April 23rd and April 30th, 2020 from 2pm-4 pm. The class will be held at the Southern Nevada Health District located at 280 S Decatur Blvd. If you’re unable to attend this class, but are interested in attending future classes, fill out the diabetes self-management workshop form and we’ll add you to the interest list for future classes. Our staff will contact you when the next workshops are scheduled.
Why is Diabetes Education Important?
Diabetes is expensive. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2.3 times higher than those who do not have diabetes. Proper management of diabetes can help them avoid or delay serious health complications such as kidney disease, amputations, heart disease and stroke. People who have the knowledge and support to manage their diabetes are healthier than those who do not.
How Can Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Help You?
DSME can help you:
- Make better decisions about how to manage your diabetes.
- Work with your health care team to get the support you need.
- Keep a steady blood sugar in your target range. Ask your doctor what your blood glucose levels should be to stay well and avoid health complications.
- Understand how to take care of yourself including:
- Eating healthy. You’ll receive free recipe booklets that include sample meal plans especially for people with diabetes.
- Increasing your physical activity.
- Keeping better track of your blood sugar (glucose).
- Taking your medicine regularly and as prescribed.
- Solving problems and address complications that may arise. Learn how to set small goals to manage your health.
- Coping with the emotional side of diabetes. You are not alone. Hear from others going through similar challenges and share your knowledge.
- Reducing your risk for other health problems.
Many people with and without diabetes do not know their medical insurance benefits or may not have medical benefits. Some diabetes self-management classes are covered by health insurance or Medicare, but not all, so it is helpful for you to know your benefits. If you don’t have health insurance or benefits, you can download a list of free diabetes classes and low-cost clinics to help you manage diabetes. Remember that the DSME courses that SNHD offers are always free.
In addition to community resources, SNHD also provides toolkits for health care providers. Health care providers can also refer people to diabetes workshops provided at SNHD
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.