Diabetes is a complex and costly condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services is a cost-effective program that has been proven to help improve health behaviors and health outcomes for people with diabetes. People who participate in DSMES have been shown to have better diabetes-related outcomes than those who do not.

Brunswick County Health Services provides an American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized Diabetes Education Program. Diabetes Education classes provide participants with helpful information on diabetes self-management, exercise, and help with nutrition including carbohydrate counting and the MyPlate portioning method. Classes are facilitated by Registered Dietitians and a Registered Nurse.

For more information visit: www.brunswickcountync.gov/360/Diabetes-Program

The DSME program experienced staff turnover halfway through 2023 influencing the frequency and type of class offerings.  Contract staff were hired to maintain the program. The second half of 2023 education sessions were held electronically. Despite these challenges, the majority of participants were still able to lose/maintain weight and decrease their A1C. 

The DSMES program was able to get a contract dietician to help with losing our full time one in 2023. This has helped keep up our program numbers and keep us having classes. We were able to hold two diabetes classes this year. We are hoping in the next year to get a full time dietician to help increase our numbers. Our referrals and patients completing the program continue to rise.