November is National Diabetes Month. atom Alliance encourages providers to use the many resources available online to promote diabetes self-management and improve care for patients with diabetes.

Research has shown that diabetes outcomes are improved with diabetes self-management education (DSME) and support, including:

• reduced A1C levels
• reduced diabetes complications
• improved lifestyle behaviors (eating healthier and exercising more frequently)
• decreased diabetes-related distress and depression

Resources Available to You
The National Diabetes Education Program, a public health communication vehicle for diabetes, recognizes National Diabetes Month with several resources for providers such as libraries and guides on their website.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is an advocacy organization working for patients with diabetes. The ADA offers a large collection of resources on their website. They have materials for providers to promote National Diabetes Month. Social media tools and printable resources are available on the website.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease, a major risk factor for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. NKF offers reports, studies and journals on kidney disease and its connection to diabetes.

The National Kidney Disease Education Program is a part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). They offer a collection of resources for identifying and managing patients with chronic kidney disease, including promoting self-management.

Providing self-management support and educating patients who are living with diabetes are critical parts of high-quality healthcare. Learn more about how atom Alliance works with providers to reduce disparities in diabetes care and promote self-management to improve healthcare quality.