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Take Five Steps

Take 5 Steps to
Manage Your Diabetes

Take 5 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for years,
we can help.

More than 1 in 10 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. In Missouri alone, 38,000 people are diagnosed with the chronic disease each year. But even though lots of people have it, many still don’t know how best to manage their diabetes. If left untreated, it can lead to severe health issues like blindness, heart disease, increased risk of cancer and even early death.

But by taking just 5 Steps through the Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support (DSMES) service, you can take back control of your body and begin to better manage your diabetes so you can live a longer, healthier life. 

Find DSMES Services Near You

DSMES services are provided at hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and more. Use this website to find the most convenient option, or ask a health care provider to refer you to a program near you.

Set & Track Your Health Goals

During your first visits, you’ll work with a diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) to build achievable goals and learn how to track your progress with the right monitoring device for you.

Learn New Skills

Your specialist will help you understand what diabetes is and how it affects your body. Learn about medications, what foods are best for you and how you can take back control.

Fit Diabetes Care Into Your Lifestyle

You and your specialist will find simple and natural ways diabetes management can be worked into your routine, culture and budget, as well as how to solve problems when they happen.

Get More Support When You Need It

Managing diabetes is a team effort. In addition to your DSMES appointments, stay in contact with your medical provider. Tell them what you’ve learned and see if they have ideas to help.

DSMES services are available at hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and more. To find the most convenient option, visit adces.org or diabetes.org, or consult your healthcare provider for a referral to a nearby program.

WHAT MISSOURIANS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE NATIONAL DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

I was too overwhelmed to admit I didn't understand something I have had for years. Your positivity gave me the courage to take my health back.
Anonymous
No one ever wants to hear they have diabetes, and I was no different. I was scared, overwhelmed and just wanted to give up. My provider helped me understand what all the tests meant and sort through all of the moving parts of diabetes management. With her guidance, I have lost weight, have confidence that I know what I am doing and have lowered my A1C from a 9.2 to a 6.8. To me, her help has been priceless.
R.B.
Diabetes is a scary word. Thanks for being patient and helping me understand that it doesn’t have to be.
C.L.