Find Coverage for a Diabetes Education Program

Talk to your health care provider

Whether you're seeing a your primary care provider or an endocrinologist to care for your diabetes, it's unlikely this provider has time to meet regularly to discuss your ongoing questions and challenges with your eating plan, exercise, and blood glucose-lowering medications. To increase your knowledge and pick up practical pointers, ask your provider to refer you to an accredited diabetes education program or to a certified diabetes educator (CDE) or registered dietitian (R.D.) for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).

Diabetes education obtained in an accredited program is covered by Medicare Part B and many private health plans. Two associations accredit programs: the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). At least one member of the program staff needs to be a CDE, among other requirements. Dietitians who provide MNT must be registered by the American Dietetic Association.

The best way to find accredited programs in your area is to look at the lists on the AADE and ADA websites. Find the one closest to you. If you can't find one, ask your health care provider for a reference. "Your family doctor is not necessarily a diabetes specialist," says Paulina Duker, MPH, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, the ADA?s managing director of the Scientific & Medical Division based in Virginia. "If you've already done the research, your health care provider can respond quickly to your request for a referral," says Duker.

Find certified diabetes education programs in your area.