Diabetes Care & Management

in Delaware

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The Diabetes Epidemic

The Numbers Continue to Grow

Diabetes remains a widespread epidemic in the United States.  According to the 2021 National Diabetes Statistics Report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Total: 38.4 million people, or 11.6% of the U.S. population, have diabetes.
  • Diagnosed: 29.7 million people, including 29.4 million adults.
  • Undiagnosed: 8.7 million people, meaning 22.8% of adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition.

This nationwide trend is reflected in Delaware as well.

 

The Stats in Delaware

The Impact of Diabetes in Delaware 2023 reports the following statistics related to the current diabetes epidemic in Delaware:

  • Approximately more than 95,000 people in Delaware, or 12% of the adult population, have diagnosed diabetes.

  • An additional 12.6% of Delaware adults report being told they have prediabetes, a condition that places them at greater risk of progressing to diabetes.

  • In total, 24.6% of Delaware adults have either diabetes or prediabetes. 

  • Diagnosed diabetes costs an estimated $1.1 billion in Delaware each year.

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Reversing the Trend

So what can be done to combat this trend?  The answer is: EDUCATION and SELF-MANAGEMENT

People with diabetes need to be educated about their disease and instructed on what they can do to best manage it, and in some cases, reverse their condition through lifestyle modifications.

 

Education and Resources

Quality Insights has archived lots of great diabetes management resources - for providers and patients - which can be found in our resource library.  We also develop practice modules that offer evidence-based education and guidance on different topics related to diabetes care and management, along with modifications that your practice can implement to improve workflows around diabetes care. 

Make sure to check them out!

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Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)

DSMES programs provide knowledge and skills for people who want to manage their type 2 diabetes and related conditions.  Diabetes educators conduct each program, which addresses the needs, goals, and life experiences of people with diabetes.  This program teaches people how to eat healthy, be active, monitor blood sugar levels, take medication, problem solve, reduce risk for other health conditions, and cope with their disease.

*DE Division of Public Health, 2023 Delaware Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

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Locate a DSMES Program Near You

There are numerous accredited/recognized DSMES programs offered at health care organizations across the state.  The programs are led by health care professionals who are certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.  Classes may be held in-person or virtually, depending on the program and circumstances.   Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurers cover DSMES.  Contact your health plan for coverage specifics.

Download this flyer to locate a program that is most convenient for your patients.