South Dakota law provides health insurance coverage for diabetes equipment, supplies and self-management education, including medical nutrition therapy. Education must be provided by a physician, nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or other licensed provider who meets the eligibility requirements of the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. Programs must be recognized by South Dakota Department of Health, the American Diabetes Association, or the American Association of Diabetes Educators. The Information regarding each of these respective programs, as well as IDERP (Integrated Diabetes Education Recognition Program) may be accessed at the bottom of the page.
Diabetes Self-Management Education
Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a key step in improving health outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes. DSME focuses on self-care behaviors such as healthy eating, being active, and monitoring blood sugar. It is a collaborative process in which diabetes educators help people with diabetes gain the knowledge and problem-solving and coping skills needed to successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions. DSME prevents complications and hospitalizations. Every $1 invested in such training can cut health care costs by up to $8.76. (Source: Preventing Chronic Disease: Investing Wisely in Health)
BRFSS Respondents Who Had Taken a DSME Course, 2000-2007
Measurable behavior change is the desired outcome of diabetes education. The American Association of Diabetes Educators believes that behavior change can be most effectively achieved using the AADE Self-Care Behaviors framework. The 7 self-care behaviors are healthy eating, being active, monitoring, taking medication, problem solving, reducing risks and healthy coping. Click here for a description of each behavior for patients and healthcare professionals.
Inpatient Diabetes Certification - The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Inpatient Diabetes Care recognizes hospitals that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes across all inpatient settings. The Joint Commission and the American Diabetes Association have identified that the most successful inpatient diabetes programs possess the critical attributes.
