This is a rerun of a past blog with updates . . .
Folks, we've got a problem. With greater than 11.2% of the adult population diagnosed with diabetes . . . what are we going to do about it?
Shall we ban 32 oz Big Gulp drinks?
How about banning meat one day of the week, something like
"Meatless Mondays", to promote eating vegetarian?
If banning Big Gulps and promoting Meatless Mondays resulted in a better understanding of how to control diabetes or prevent the complications of diabetes, these token gestures would get my endorsement. Unfortunately, persons living with diabetes require more dynamic interventions.
Diabetes self-management education (DSME): the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for prediabetes and diabetes self-care. This process incorporates the needs, goals, and life experiences of the person with diabetes or prediabetes and is guided by evidence-based standards. The overall objectives of DSME are to support informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, problem solving, and active collaboration with the health care team, and to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life. (National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support, 2012)
Diabetes self-management support (DSMS): activities that assist the person with prediabetes or diabetes in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage his or her condition on an ongoing basis beyond or outside of formal self management training. The type of support provided can be behavioral, educational, psychosocial, or clinical. (National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support, 2012)
Do you believe anyone can provide this service? If you believe anyone can do this job, then ignore this blog. If you believe what you do is unique and can only be replicated by another healthcare professional with your similar advance training, then consider supporting Diabetes Educator Licensure.
I believe only Credentialed Diabetes Educators are uniquely prepared to provide these interventions. I will be advocating for Diabetes Educator licensure!