Global Diabetes Management: Patient Education, Educator Systems, Monitoring Devices, and Insurance Comparison

Diabetes is a growing global public health challenge, affecting more than 589 million adults. Effective management requires both medical treatment and structured self-management education. This review compares diabetes education programs, educator certification systems, glucose monitoring devices, and insurance policies across the US, UK, Australia, and Japan. The countries employ distinct strategies, such as DSMES (Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support) (US), DESMOND/DAFNE (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed/Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating) (UK), NDSS (National Diabetes Services Scheme)/Life! program (Australia), and Project 8 (Japan). Key differences were identified in continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump access, as well as educator qualifications. Insights from global practices can inform and enhance Korean diabetes care policies, supporting the development of more standardized and sustainable education and insurance systems.