Diabetes Self-Management Program

Diabetes Self-Management Program

DIABETES HEALTH SNAPSHOT

32%

PREVALENCE

1 in 7 Mississippians lives with diabetes. This is 32% higher than the US average of 12%. 

0

UNDIAGNOSED

75,000 people in Mississippi are estimated to have diabetes and don’t know it.

15%

PREVALENCE

Mississippi ranks 48th out of 50 states, with the second-highest diabetes prevalence rate in the nation at 15%. 

0

MORTALITY

High diabetes mortality rate, with 35 deaths per 100,000 population in 2022.

11%

PREDIABETES

11% of Mississippians are expected to be pre-diabetic. 

MSDH’s Freedom Program

Living with diabetes? You can live better with FREEDOM.

The Freedom Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program empowers those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to achieve and maintain good health, improve their quality of life, gain the knowledge and skills necessary for successful self-management and prevent complications that may develop from uncontrolled diabetes.

The Freedom DSME program helps you take control of your diabetes by guiding you through the essentials of eating right, exercising and setting goals.

LEARN WITH OTHERS

Freedom workshops are designed to be highly engaging and provide opportunities for Mississippians to learn and share their experiences with others. Participants are encouraged to create their own personal diabetes management programs, where they’ll make weekly action plans, share experiences and work with others to solve the daily problems you all deal with.

You’ll receive consistent follow-up calls and visits to ensure you have the support needed to improve your health. The Freedom team will even work closely with your doctor to discuss self-management strategies and make sure those strategies are effective.

Created for You by Professionals

The program’s classes are taught in group and individual settings by MSDH Registered Nurses, Registered Dieticians, Master’s level social workers and pharmacists. The seven self-care behaviors included in the curriculum are the basis of diabetes education and care:

Experience the feeling of Freedom today!

We encourage you to learn more about the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Freedom program. Call 844-367-2566 or visit HealthyMS.com/Freedom to find classes near you.

To participate in MSDH’s Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support classes, have your managing doctor or nurse practitioner contact the Freedom Diabetes Program by calling 601‑206‑1010.