The Diabetes Educators of Eastern Massachusetts (DEEM) is a chapter of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) began as a group of eight diabetes teaching nurses in August 1984. These nurses who lived within a 25-mile radius of Brockton, Massachusetts met to discuss the formation of a support group to meet on a regular basis for the purpose of sharing resources, discussing issues, and advancing the education of people with diabetes.
The first meeting was held October 25, 1984. By January 1985 the group had defined a purpose, set goals, and established bylaws. The group met monthly and grew to twelve. The name DEEM evolved.
By June of 1985 the group had grown to 24 members including educators from Boston and north, west, and south of the city. In April of 1986 the group applied to become an affiliate of AADE (the American Association of Diabetes Educators). It was made an official chapter of AADE in August of that year.
DEEM today has a membership of over 100.Those original goals of setting standards for diabetes education and improving the quality of care for people with diabetes remain an integral part of the organization.
