"Diabetes education, also known as diabetes self-management training (DSMT), is a collaborative process
through which people with or at risk for diabetes gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior
and successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions.  The intervention aims to achieve
optimal health status, better quality of life and reduce the need for costly healthcare."

                                                                          American Association of Diabetes Educators
                                                                          Revised Definition
                                                                          February 2008

The goals of DSMT are to correct the metabolic abnormalities of diabetes and to prevent the development
of microvascular and macrovascular complications by following the standards of care of the American
Diabetes Association.

See Standards of Medical Care,
Diabetes Care 33 (Suppl.1): S11-S61, 2010
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/33/Supplement_1/S11.full.pdf+html

Managing a patient with diabetes is best achieved with a multidisciplinary team approach.

A good medical team may include:
• a primary physician,
• an endocrinologist,
• a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) 
• nurse, dietitian, and other healthcare providers who are certified diabetes educators,
• an ophthalmologist for eye care
• a dentist
• a podiatrist
• an exercise specialist

Tools for healthcare professionals can be found on the AADE website at:
http://www.diabeteseducator.org/ProfessionalResources/AADE7/#Tools%20for%20healthcare%20professionals.

What To Discuss With People With Diabetes?

1. Assist with survival skills and encourage the patient to become educated about diabetes.    
A referral to a certified diabetes educator will help the patient.
2. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle including diet, exercise, the importance of self- management, and a plan
to stop tobacco use.
3. Promote the ABC’s of diabetes care – Managing A1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
4. Assist patient with small achievable steps/goals.
5. Inquire about annual foot, eye and oral health screenings.
6. Encourage routine care to avoid the complications of diabetes, including foot and eye care, and
oral health care. 
7. Assist with psychosocial issues – coping with diabetes; refer for counseling if necessary.
8. Encourage exercise – walking, senior or community centers,  or a gym subscription.

What could a diabetes educator do for your patient?
• Listen to their concerns.
• Assist in meeting their goals.
• Develop a plan to manage their diabetes based on their lifestyle.
• Help them improve their sense of well-being and satisfaction in their life by learning coping skills.
• Increase their skills to take care of their diabetes.
• Help them take control of their diabetes by helping them to understand their treatment plan.
• Instruct them on meal planning, exercise, medications, and blood sugar testing/monitoring.

See also: NDEP resources for Health Care Professionals
http://ndep.nih.gov/hcp-businesses-and-schools/HealthCareProfessionals.aspx