Diabetes Self-Management Education

While there is no cure for diabetes, knowledge about diabetes and self-management skills can improve the experience of symptoms and overall quality of life for those living with diabetes. OWN offers evidence-based classes to address type 2 diabetes, including:

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

Diabetes Self-management Education and Support (DSMES) services provide information and skills for people to manage their diabetes and related conditions. This service combines the group workshops for diabetes self-management (Living Well with Diabetes) and an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a Registered Dietician (Medical Nutrition Therapy) or a Diabetes Educator.

The group program is 6 weeks long with the individual sessions intertwined. The DSMES is a program accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) and is a benefit covered by both Medicare and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid).

Living Well with Diabetes / Programa de Manejo Personal de la Diabetes

This program is designed for people with type 2 diabetes. It teaches:

  • Healthy eating
  • Exercise at your level
  • How to use glucose monitoring to make day-to-day decisions
  • How to manage sick days
  • Appropriate use of medication
  • Reducing risk for other health conditions
  • Coping with the unique challenges of living with diabetes.

Caregivers are also welcome. This program is available in English and Spanish.

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is part of DSMES services but can also be offered independently for people with diagnoses related to diabetes and its complications. Provided by a registered dietician in either an individual or group setting, participants receive valuable information about how to manage their blood sugars through eating well and creating a healthy eating plan. Note that for insurance plans to cover this service, a doctor’s order is required.

Program Resources: