Free, virtual Diabetes Self-Management Program starts Sept. 12

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Community and Population Health program—in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence—is offering a 6-week free online service to help people manage diabetes. Starting Sept. 12, all sessions of the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) will be held on Thursdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Additional classes will be on Sept. 19 and 23 and Oct. 3, 10 and 17. Registration is required.

Over 6 weeks, participants will learn how to manage their diabetes physically and emotionally. The program aims to help people lower their A1C levels and reduce the risks and complications associated with diabetes. Participants will learn how to stay active, make better food choices, solve problems, make decisions and cope with the challenges of living with diabetes. The workshop also covers ways to improve eating habits, get more exercise and keep a healthy weight.

The program has demonstrated proven health benefits and complements the diabetic medical management services people receive from their health care providers. Participants will enhance their ability to maintain active and fulfilling lifestyles, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills, and address the challenges of living with diabetes. Workshop topics include improving food choices, increasing physical activity and practicing coping skills to maintain nutrition and a healthy weight.   

People with diabetes, prediabetes or those who care for someone with diabetes can register for the DSMP workshop online or by contacting Duwem Onwubiko at 240-777-1858.

The DSMP was created by experts at Stanford University and is a nationally recognized diabetes prevention and management program. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes. In Maryland, 10.5% of adults have diabetes (almost 500,000) and 34% have prediabetes (approximately 1.6 million). Maryland is consistently among 25 states with the highest diabetes prevalence rates.