In a recent report by the CDC, Arizona was ranked #1 in Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME), with an increase of 34% participation by residents with diabetes from 2012 to 2014. As a core component in our commitment to help Arizonans navigate and effectively manage their chronic conditions, DSME refers to the ongoing process of building the knowledge, skill, and abilities necessary for diabetes self-care. Our aim is to improve clinical outcomes across the state by supporting Arizonans in making informed decisions, engaging in effective self-care behaviors, and actively collaborating with a health care team.
In 2013, diabetes was the 6th leading cause of disease-related death in Arizona, resulting in $2.2 billion in healthcare costs. By the year 2050, the burden of diabetes is projected to double in the United States. Due to the rise in health impairment and high cost of treatment, diabetes is a major concern for governmental officials, healthcare providers, public health practitioners, and community leaders across Arizona. To put an end to the increasing trends, diabetes experts, including certified diabetes educators, clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, and dietitians have endorsed DSME programs as a key factor in fostering healthier lifestyle choices and disease management for people living with or at risk of diabetes.
According to the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), “Teaching patients how to effectively control their diabetes through diabetes self-management education is one of the most important and cost effective tools in the arsenal for diabetes treatment and the avoidance of deadly diabetes-related complications.” And here in Arizona, the evidence is clear: DSME is helping pave the way for Arizonans to improve their physical activity, nutrition, and medication adherence in ways that enable them to live longer, healthier, and more robust lives.
For the past 10 years, the Arizona Diabetes Program of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has partnered with non –profit organizations, local health departments, and various health systems to increase awareness, promote the utilization of DSME programs, and expand DSME programs in rural areas of the state where the prevalence of diabetes remains heightened. As a result of the CDC Public Health in Actions cooperative agreement awarded to ADHS, the Diabetes Program has provided technical assistance to a diversity of organizations in Arizona to become accredited or recognized as DSME programs. Additionally, the Diabetes Program along with the Arizona Diabetes Coalition has helped promote the participation of patients with diabetes to existing DSME programs in an effort to reduce the burden of diabetes, specifically among vulnerable populations. The increase of participation in DSME could not have been possible without the efforts of the Arizona Diabetes Coalition and the Arizona Diabetes Leadership Council, who for many years have guided the Diabetes Programs in strategic efforts to uphold its mission….an “Arizona free of diabetes.”