DSMES
We seek to increase services in areas with limited or no access to quality Diabetes Self-Management Education Services (DSMES).
People with diabetes who complete a diabetes self-management education classes are better able to manage their disease and prevent or delay complications.
DSME is not a 24-hour nurse hotline or a brochure. Rather, it is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to disease management that meets national standards. HPC partners with organizations across Florida to establish, build, and sustain DSME programs – closing gaps in areas with limited or no access to this care.
Bring DSMES to Your Organization
Whether you’re just getting started or refining an existing program, our Health Planning team can help you navigate accreditation, standards, and sustainability.
Have questions about the mentorship cohort? Jump to the Mentorship Cohort section below.
What DSMES is - and isn't.
DSMES helps people with diabetes build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their condition every day. It’s a structured, ongoing process, not a single conversation or handout.
DSMES is...
- A comprehensive, evidence-based approach to disease management
- A program that meets National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support
- Delivered by a trained, coordinated team over multiple sessions
- Built around each person’s goals, culture, and everyday life
DSMES is not...
- A 24-hour nurse hotline
- A brochure or one-time handout
- A single appointment or generic advice
- A substitute for ongoing medical care
DSMES Mentorship Cohort
A guided opportunity for Florida organizations working toward a new or improved diabetes self-management education program.
What Is The DSMES Mentorship Cohort?
Selected organizations receive hands-on mentorship, technical assistance, and peer support as they work to establish, strengthen, or sustain a DSMES program that meets national standards. Review the full opportunity announcement for eligibility, expectations, and how to apply.
Who can offer DSMES?
DSMES programs are delivered by a range of organizations across the healthcare and community landscape, all working toward the same national standards.
Hospitals & health systems
Outpatient diabetes education programs integrated with clinical care teams.
Pharmacies
Community pharmacies play a growing role in diabetes education and support – see our pharmacy resource below.
Community organizations
Nonprofits and community health centers reaching residents where they already are.
Fact sheets, guides & downloads
DMES Fact Sheet
A quick overview of Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support – what it is, why it matters, and who it’s for.
Seminar 101 - DSMES
An introductory seminar covering the fundamentals of DSMES for organizations exploring a new program.
Focus On: Benefits for Pharmacies
How community pharmacies can benefit from — and participate in — diabetes self-management education.
Technical Assistance: National DSMES Standards
Slide guides for each of the 6 National Standards for DSMES, for organizations building a program
Additional Provider Resources
- DSMES Manual
- Journal Article
- Evidence-Based Framework
- Proof of Effectiveness
- Implementing and Evaluating Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs for Underserved Populations/Communities
- Patient Success with DSMES Through Telehealth
- Improving Care and Promoting Health in Populations: Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2026
- An Effective Model of Diabetes Care and Education: The ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors
- DSMES Medical Billing Playbook for Pharmacies
The terms expressed in these publications are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida or its funders.
Ready to bring DSMES to your community?
Our Health Planning team can help you apply for the mentorship cohort, understand the national standards, or take the first step toward a new program.