Ensuring diabetic patients have access to diabetes self-management and support services

Byline: Danielle Daignault, Pharm.D., Clinical Editor of Drug Information

Danielle Daignault, Pharm.D., Clinical Editor of Drug Information discusses the impact that diabetes self-management education and support services has on patients. She highlights how physicians can address this topic with their patients to remove barriers and improve patient quality of life.

Diabetes self-management education and support services have been shown to have a positive impact on lifestyle changes, ultimately leading to decreases in A1c levels, prevention or delay of diabetes complications, and improved quality of life. Studies also confirm the cost-effectiveness of participation in these services through reduced hospital admissions and readmissions.

Despite all of this, utilization of these services is suboptimal, with less than 6.8% of privately insured patients using these services.

Physicians should talk to their patients about the benefits of diabetes education. They can tell patients that it might be possible to reduce the number of medications, or even eliminate prescription management of their disease as an incentive to motivate them to try it. Physicians can help to identify any barriers for patients and help to remove them, and can facilitate referrals for diabetes education.

There are 4 times when providers should encourage Diabetes education:

• At diagnosis

• At their annual medical appointment

• When complications arise

• When transitions occur in care

It’s never too late for a patient to get this information.