Diabetes Resource Center | Boston Medical Center

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Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

Our Diabetes Self-Management (DSM) Education Program can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to keep yourself as healthy as possible. We are here to help support behavioral changes, improve your general health, and reduce your risk of diabetes complications.

Learn more about the DSM education program and classes

Diabetes is a medical condition where your body either doesn’t produce a hormone called insulin or doesn’t react as it should to insulin. This causes your blood sugar (or blood glucose) to get too high, which can cause health issues. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

With type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make any insulin or makes very little. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults. People with this type of diabetes need to take insulin every day.

With type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin but doesn’t use it in the way it should. This is the most common type of diabetes and it can be diagnosed at any age. You’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you’re overweight or obese or have family members with type 2 diabetes.

Learn the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (PDF)

You might hear a lot of new words during your diabetes care. Here are some of the key terms you need to know to help you keep yourself healthy. Click below to learn more, and ask your care team if you still have questions.

A1C

A1C is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the last three months. It helps your doctor see how well your treatment is working.
Learn More about A1C (PDF)

Glucose

Glucose is a type of sugar. It’s your body’s main source of energy and comes from the food you eat.

Learn More about Glucose (PDF)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas. It helps your cells use the glucose in your blood for energy, and lowers your blood sugar levels.
Learn More about Insulin

Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range is the core part of managing diabetes. You and your doctor will work to come up with the best plan to help you manage your diabetes, reduce your risk of complications, and lead a normal, healthy life. This may include a combination of diet, exercise, other lifestyle changes, medications, and more.

Managing diabetes takes daily work, but even little changes can make a big difference. Over time, these changes will become daily habits that will help you stay healthy.

Nutrition

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. A registered dietitian can help you make a plan that works best for your particular food needs and preferences, but in general you should eat a diet high in vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken and fish. Portion size is also key for keeping your blood sugar under control.

Reading food labels
- Handout (PDF)
- Video
All about carbohydrates 
- Handout (PDF)
- Video
Balancing sugar with healthy plate (video)
Healthy plate meal example (PDF)
- Soul food healthy plate (PDF)
- West African healthy plate (PDF)
Recipes
Cooking classes
Getting food at BMC
Resources in your community

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to manage your blood sugar, weight, and overall health. Try to do physical activity three to five times a week, for at least 30 minutes each time. Walking, biking, swimming, dancing, and running are all great activities to try. Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar at home is the most important thing you can do to manage your diabetes. It will help you learn how different foods, medications, and exercise affect your glucose level, so you and your care team can create a plan that works best for you. There are several different options for monitoring your blood sugar at home.

Oral Medications

Oral medications are prescription medications used to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. They are usually used with lifestyle and diet changes, and may also be used with insulin. There are several different types of oral medications for diabetes, which help lower your blood sugar in different ways. Your doctor can help you find the right oral medication for you.

Oral medications for treatment of diabetes

Insulin

Your body needs insulin to use glucose as energy. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll have to take insulin every day to manage your blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe insulin if other treatments like diet, exercise, and oral medications haven’t worked for you. There are several types of insulin (long, intermediate, and short-acting), so it’s important you understand which your doctor prescribed for you and how to use it.

From left: Liz Brouillard RD CDCES, Kyle Bertram PharmD, CDCES, Sheicia Paul RN CDCES, Corinne Aia RD CDCES, Mara Garwood RD CDCES