Blue Circle Health has received national recognition from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its commitment to enhancing the lives of adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). On March 3, 2026, the nonprofit organization was acknowledged for meeting the national standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) through the ADA’s Education Recognition Program (ERP).
Significance of DSMES Recognition
According to Barbara Eichorst, MS, RD, CDCES, the ADA’s Vice President of Health Care Programs, “DSMES is an essential part of managing diabetes and all people with diabetes benefit from it.” She commended Blue Circle Health for delivering high-quality, value-based interventions that maximize health outcomes and enhance patient experiences. Eichorst expressed particular enthusiasm for the organization’s innovative virtual program tailored specifically for those with T1D.
Founded by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Blue Circle Health aims to bridge the gap between the care that individuals with T1D require and what is currently available through the U.S. healthcare system. The nonprofit’s six-month virtual program extends the capabilities of existing care teams and encompasses a range of services, including diabetes education, endocrinology care, insurance navigation, and peer support.
Expanding Access to Care
Since its inception in January 2024, Blue Circle Health has reached over 1,250 participants across 20 states and Washington D.C., with plans for further expansion. The ADA’s ERP certification ensures that the DSMES services provided meet established National Standards, which bolster the education and support offered to individuals with diabetes.
“The goal of our program is to equip, prepare, and empower people to self-manage this lifelong condition,” noted Leonard D’Avolio, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Circle Health. He emphasized that maintaining the highest quality of DSMES services is crucial for achieving this objective.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body fails to produce insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose levels. In the U.S., approximately 2.1 million individuals are diagnosed with T1D, with around 1.8 million of them being adults. Despite this significant population, access to specialized care remains a pressing challenge. Data indicates that 70% of U.S. counties lack a practicing endocrinologist, and high out-of-pocket costs for medications and supplies exacerbate the situation.
Moreover, restrictive insurance policies often limit coverage for vital services such as diabetes education and support. This reality leaves many individuals with T1D struggling to obtain timely and specialized care, highlighting the urgent need for scalable, virtual solutions.
For those interested in learning more about Blue Circle Health’s services, the organization offers a three-minute video featuring program participants. Healthcare providers can refer patients, and eligible adults aged 18 and older can enroll by visiting bluecirclehealth.org or calling 888-404-4813.
Blue Circle Health is dedicated to not only improving the health of those with T1D but also demonstrating that better health outcomes at a lower cost are achievable across the United States. Follow their journey and updates on social media @bluecirclehealth.
