Diabetes Care & Management

in Delaware

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The Diabetes Epidemic

The Numbers Continue to Grow

Diabetes continued to be an epidemic across the United States.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 37 million Americans have diabetes and face its devastating consequences.  This is up from 24.2 million Americans having diabetes in 2018.

What’s true nationwide is also true in Delaware. 

 

The Stats in Delaware

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports the following statistics related to the current diabetes epidemic in Delaware:

  • Approximately 91,358 people in Delaware, or 11.7% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes.

  • An additional 24,000 people in Delaware have diabetes but don’t know it, greatly increasing their health risk.

  • There are 268,000 people in Delaware, 35.4% of the adult population, who have prediabetes.

  • Diagnosed diabetes costs an estimated $980 million in Delaware each year.

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Reversing the Trend

So what can be done to combat this trend?  The answer is: EDUCATION and SELF-MANAGEMENT

People with diabetes need to be educated about their disease and instructed on what they can do to best manage it, and in some cases, reverse their condition through lifestyle modifications.

 

Education & Resources

Quality Insights has archived lots of great diabetes management resources - for providers and patients - which can be found in our resource library.   We also develop practice modules that offer evidence-based education and guidance on different topics related to diabetes care and management, along with modifications that your practice can implement to improve workflows around diabetes care. 

Make sure to check them out!

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Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support (DSMES)

DSMES programs provide knowledge and skills for people who want to manage their type 2 diabetes and related conditions.  Diabetes educators conduct each program, which addresses the needs, goals, and life experiences of people with diabetes.  This program teaches people how to eat healthy, be active, monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, problem solve, reduce risk for other health conditions, and cope with their disease.

*DE Division of Public Health, 2019 Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

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Locate a DSMES Program Near You

There are numerous accredited/recognized DSMES programs offered at health care organizations across the state.  The programs are led by health care professionals who are certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.  Classes may be held in-person or virtually, depending on the program and circumstances.   Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurers cover DSMES.  Contact your health plan for coverage specifics.

Download this flyer to locate a program that is most convenient for your patients.