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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Diabetes Self Management Education and Support

Contact the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention

Diabetes Self Management Education and Support (DSMES) is a great service recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. The service can be tailored to meet individual needs or provided in a group setting.  DSMES can be provided via telehealth however, at this time there are no locations in Florida where this is being provided.

DSMES services provide people with information to help manage diabetes, such as:

  • Understanding what the disease is
  • How your medication works
  • What foods are best to eat
  • Being active
  • Coping with emotions and stress
  • Working with your provider to get needed support
  • Self-management tools and apps
  • Reducing your risk for other health problems

How do you know you are receiving quality DSME? 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) authorizes two organizations, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (ADCES) to certify DSMES programs as meeting the national standards.  The designation of ADA recognition or ADCES accreditation assures participants in these DSMES programs that they are receiving quality services.

DSMES is covered by insurance 

DSMES is a private insurance covered service per 627.6408 Florida Statute. If you have any difficulty with insurance coverage of diabetes self-management education, contact the Office of Insurance Regulation Consumer Hotline at 1-877-693-5236.

Find an ADA-recognized or ADCES-accredited DSMES program near you 

Map of FLorida

Search for an accredited diabetes education program in your area.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs 

County health departments (CHDs) are leaders in diabetes prevention and management. The following CHDs offer quality diabetes prevention programs and/or diabetes self-management education services.

Florida Department of Health in Alachua County
224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 334-7962

Florida Department of Health in Bay County
597 W 11Th St, Panama City, FL 32401-2330
(850) 252-9656 and/or (850) 252-6609
CHD03Diabetes@flhealth.gov 

Florida Department of Health in Flagler County
120 Airport Road (Second Floor)
Palm Coast, FL 32164
386-313-7263 or 386-313-7264

Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County 
1105 E. Kennedy Blvd. 
Tampa, FL 33602-3551
(813) 307-8009

Florida Department of Health in Jackson County
4979 Healthy Way, Marianna, FL 32446-7993
(850) 526-2412

Florida Department of Health in Putnam County
2801 Kennedy Street, Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 326-3200