New, Free CDC Diabetes Toolkit for Nurse Practitioners

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reaching out to nurse practitioners with the DSMES Toolkit for NPs to help nurse practitioners learn more about diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services and how to refer patients with diabetes. DSMES services are highly effective, evidence-based services that help people manage their diabetes in ways that fit their lifestyle. They are offered one-to-one or in a group, both in person and online. Although covered by Medicare and many private and state Medicaid insurance plans, use of DSMES is low. Less than 7% of eligible patients participate in DSMES within the first year of diagnosis.

One of the first questions often asked about DSMES services is, “What are they, really?” People who participate in DSMES services:

• Work with a trained diabetes care and education specialist, also known as a diabetes educator, to set and track goals.
• Learn how to use knowledge, skills, and tools to build confidence and emotional strength to manage diabetes.
• Practice how to fit diabetes care into all parts of their daily routine—like when and what they eat and how they solve problems.
• Find ways to get support (in person and online) from family, friends, the community, and their health care team.

The free DSMES Toolkit for NPs was developed through a collaborative effort of CDC and nurse practitioner association staff and members. The toolkit includes three materials:

1. Webinar training
2. NP Guide to Understanding DSMES Services and How to Refer that outlines practical information about DSMES with links to useful tools in one place
3. DSMES Services At-A-Glance quick reference sheet

Interested in learning more? Find the DSMES Toolkit for NPs at https://diabetes-np-toolkit.fhi360.org where you can learn about DSMES services and how they can help your patients, including how to refer them to a local or online program. It also tells you how you may be able to get accredited or recognized to offer DSMES services to your patients directly.