New York State Department of Health Recognizes Diabetes Awareness Month

Department Encourages New Yorkers to Learn How to Manage Their Diabetes

Find a Local Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Program Here and Here

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 4, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes November as Diabetes Awareness Month and encourages those with diabetes to continue their education on and receive support for managing the disease.

"Diabetes is a complex disease that can be difficult to understand and overwhelming to manage in everyday life," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Fortunately, New Yorkers don't need to go far to find a local diabetes education program. In fact, New York has nearly 50 diabetes programs located in community pharmacies alone making education accessible to all New Yorkers with the disease, thus allowing for greater control of one's personal health."

An estimated 1.8 million adult New Yorkers (11.3%) have diagnosed diabetes. Despite this, six out of 10 (61%) New York State adults with diabetes report never taking a course or class to manage their diabetes. New Yorkers with diabetes are encouraged to talk with their health care provider, get a referral and participate in a local program.

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) is an evidence-based program that is personalized by health care professionals to help create and teach individuals with diabetes about self-care behaviors like healthy eating, being active, and lowering the chances of diabetes complications.

Some of the many benefits from participating in DSMES programs include improved hemoglobin A1C levels, better management of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and increased confidence to manage diabetes.

DSMES is covered by Medicare, New York State Medicaid and most commercial health insurance. These programs are located throughout the State in many clinical settings, including diabetes centers, hospitals and community pharmacies.

DSMES programs in New York State are nationally accredited, facilitated by licensed health care professionals, and must meet rigorous quality standards. In 2023 New York State had more than 110 DSMES programs available across the state.

To find a DSMES program near you, visit the American Diabetes Association or Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. For more information on diabetes go to Diabetes Prevention and Management Resources.

For updated statistics on diabetes in New York State, please access the following report: New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Brief: Diabetes 2022 (ny.gov).

Learn more about diabetes and diabetes prevention here.