The future for Diabetes Educators looks bright. In this economy, it reassuring to hear that the demand for Diabetes Educators will continue to grow over the coming decades. Even more exciting is the projected increased role of Diabetes Educators in prevention education and in a variety of work settings. There has never been a more significant and relevant time to be a part of the diabetes education movement. Diabetes Educators' knowledge of behavior change and community outreach are needed now more than ever.  Where ever you are in your diabetes career, we are here to help through our courses and resources. Click here to get started.

Increased Demand for Diabetes Educators Expected

As the diabetes epidemic worsens, the demand for Diabetes Educators is projected to increase by at least 60 percent between now and 2025, according to a study released in August by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. (AADE) This number will increase exponentially if more individuals – such as those with pre-diabetes – become eligible for diabetes education.

Other key findings from the survey indicate that the job market for diabetes educators will be robust:

• The range of work settings for diabetes educators will broaden, and will include not only the traditional hospital outpatient and physician office positions, but also non-traditional settings, such as industry sales positions, retail clinics, management consulting, medical weight management and other specialty clinics, community health centers, home health and long term care facilities, and workplace wellness programs.
• A growing body of literature supporting the cost effectiveness of diabetes education and the trend towards greater integration in health care will persuade healthcare systems, including private insurance and Medicare to view diabetes education more favorably.
• The demand for both higher and lower level diabetes educators will increase. Higher level diabetes educators (those providing clinical instruction) will increasingly serve as program managers and coordinators, be asked to help design technology interfaces that will allow more services to be delivered outside the current paradigm of place and time, and educate and train other health care professionals on diabetes education and best practices. The need for lower level educators, such as community health workers, will also continue to grow.
• The research also validated that holding a credential (e.g., BC-ADM or CDE) is valued by employers.

“The research confirms that diabetes education is a growing and vitally important health care specialty,” said Lana Vukovljak, Chief Executive Officer of AADE. “Diabetes education, in addition to being a public health benefit, is a proven way to reduce health care costs.”

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