What is diabetes self-management training?

Diabetes self-management training helps you learn how to successfully manage your diabetes. Your doctor must prescribe this training for you. This training includes how to manage blood glucose (blood sugar), make informed choices about nutrition and exercise, and prevent and treat complications of diabetes.
 

How can I get diabetes self-management training?

You can get diabetes self-management training if:

• Your doctor prescribes it

• You are at risk for complications from diabetes, such as:
  • poor blood sugar control
  • vision problems
  • nerve damage or lack of feeling in your feet or lower limbs

  • kidney disease

• You have been recently diagnosed with diabetes

• You have diabetes and have recently become eligible for Medicare.
   

What self-management training services will Medicare cover?
Medicare will help cover the following training services in a Medicare-approved diabetes education program:

• A total of 10 hours of initial training in 12 months (the 10 hours of training must be completed within 12 months from the time you start the training)

• An additional 2 hours of follow-up training each year after the year you receive initial training (you must get yearly prescriptions from your doctor).
   

Where can I find Medicare-approved self-management training programs?

Your doctor will give you information about where to get diabetes self-management training. You must get this training from a Medicare-approved diabetes education program.

Diabetes self-management training programs may not be available in all areas. Check with the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-342-2383 or visit the association's Web site at www.diabetes.org/education/eduprogram.asp to find a Medicare-approved training program near you.

If you are American Indian, programs also may be approved in your area by the Indian Health Service. Check with your local tribal medical services about the availability of diabetes self-management training.