Community Health Workers’ Role in DSMES and Prediabetes

In communities most affected by prediabetes and diabetes, CHWs can work collaboratively with diabetes educators to activate CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs, extend the reach of diabetes prevention and DSMES care teams, and facilitate strategies that reduce health disparities in their own communities. When diabetes educators support CHWs in their role to deliver current, accurate, and evidence-based information, people with prediabetes and diabetes benefit with increased self-management skills, medication persistence, and adoption of healthy lifestyles. In turn, healthcare teams benefit from CHWs through collaboration and improved transitions, to minimize provider burnout, while enhancing the experience, improving population health, and reducing costs.