The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Health Services, in partnership with the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence, will offer a free community-based Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) beginning Thursday, Feb. 22. The six-week program will be held virtually from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each Thursday.
The DSMP was created at Stanford University and is a nationally recognized diabetes prevention and management program. The program provides education on the physical aspect of managing diabetes and the emotional aspect. It is designed to improve an individual’s average blood sugar level (A1C) and reduce complications associated with diabetes.
“It is important to manage diabetes to reduce complications, and this program offers important information to help not only with the physical aspects, but the emotional aspects too,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I urge those with diabetes or taking care of someone with diabetes to register for this free program.”
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 will include improving food choices, increasing physical activity and practicing coping skills to maintain nutrition and a healthy weight.
Individuals with diabetes or caregivers of persons with diabetes can register for the DSMP workshop online at https://forms.office.com/g/5c6PphXRxp or by calling Kiera Abdul at 443-750-4267 or T’Kia Pearson at 240 777-1244.
