FREE Diabetes Self- Management Education for Seniors in South Carolina

More than 25% of people 65 and older have diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes includes prediabetes and diabetes. Prediabetes indicates that the blood sugar is higher than normal. Without any intervention people with prediabetes, most likely, will develop diabetes later in life.

Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive disease. This means that as you age, your diabetes, most likely, will get worse. Abnormal or high blood sugar affects every part of your body and can increase your risk of complications that may include blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.

Many people may not realize that lifestyle changes are the number one way to prevent the progression of diabetes. Simple changes can lower your risk by up to 58%. Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, increasing activity and maintaining an appropriate weight for your height. Learning more about prediabetes and diabetes is important and can reduce medical complications and improve the quality of your life as you age.

In South Carolina, there are some new options you may not be aware of. The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence (CCME), a part of the Atlantic Quality Innovation Network (AQIN), has been contracted by Medicare to provide FREE Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) workshops to Medicare beneficiaries. DSME workshops are a series of five sessions that cover a variety of topics that help participants better manage their diabetes and prediabetes. During the workshops, resources and handouts are provided and participants have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss personal concerns they have about living with diabetes. Even if you have previously attended a Medicare reimbursed class, you are invited to attend these workshops at no cost.

For more information and to locate a workshop near you, please call the SC Diabetes Self-Management Hotline at: 1-800-922-3089, extension 7585

If you have questions about coverage for your diabetes supplies and medications or other medical conditions call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit their website.

References:

Diabetes in Older Adults. M. Sue Kirkman et al. Diabetes Care, Volume 35, December 2012

Diabetes in Older People –A Disease You can Manage

Prevention or Delay of Type 2 Diabetes
This material was prepared by the Atlantic Quality Innovation Network (AQIN), the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for New York State, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.11SOW-AQINSC-TskB. 2-16-03