When I was considering college, my dad offered me some simple advice, “Why don’t you become a nurse?” Four years later, I stood proudly with my white cap and nursing pin securely fastened as an RN graduate.

As I reflect on my years in this noble profession, I have witnessed the most unselfish acts of love and pure heroism by my nursing colleagues. I have highlighted some top qualities that represent my gratitude, but this thank you list could encompass an entire page.

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Like the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale, you are all “Holding the Lamp” and shining it in dark places that are often scary and unknown to provide comfort to those with the greatest need.

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This week is a perfect time to let our nursing colleagues, mentors, professors, and friends know how much they are appreciated.

Coach Beverly thanks each nurse who has cared for me, held my hand, and reassured me that I am going to be okay.

5 Ways to Thank a Nurse

• Send them a handwritten note sharing how they helped you when you needed it most.
• A bundle of colorful flowers with a special note
• A basket of fruit or healthy snacks with a few sweet treats too!
• Sharing a heartfelt story on social media about how a nurse made an impact on your life.
• Letting their supervisor know how they provided you with care and comfort.
• Let a nurse mentor or teacher know how they impacted your life.

These are just a few ideas to get started. As you think of that special moment of gratitude, maybe you will come up with the perfect idea for that one special nurse.

With gratitude,

Coach Beverly

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on how diabetes and earth health are interconnected. 78% of respondents chose the best answer, GREAT JOB. We want to share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues. We can all take action to protect the earth and prepare for extreme climate events.

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question

Question: According to a NIH systematic literature review, there is clear evidence that diabetes and climate change are interconnected. Which of the following situations are due to the impact of a changing climate?

Answer Choices:

1. Lack of healthy food supply due to disrupted agricultural production.
2. Shortages of medications, insulin and other diabetes supplies.
3. Increased risk of cardiovascular events and death in people with diabetes due to extreme heat.
4. All of the above

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 4, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 3, and finally 2.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer one – 15.05% chose this answer, and it is accurate “Lack of healthy food supply due to disrupted agricultural production.” It is true that extreme weather can result in agricultural production disruptions. In our community, many fields that were once green with trees and crops, now are brown and barren. There is not enough water to keep crops alive and growing. When the healthy food supply is limited, people living with diabetes may turn to lower-cost, processed foods which are environmentally unfriendly and low in nutrients.

Answer two – 1.46% of you chose this answer and it is accurate, “Shortages of medications, insulin, and other diabetes supplies.” It is true that with recent climate disasters, like the Camp Fire, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hurricane Harvey in 2017, resulted in people not being able to access, afford or safely store their medications, including insulin. In addition, we are experiencing supply chain disruptions in D50 (25 grams of glucose in a 50 ml prefilled syringe (50% glucose)) to treat hypoglycemia and certain intravenous fluids are in short supply. Other diabetes products and medications could be impacted in the future.

Answer three – 6.07% of respondents chose this answer and it is accurate, “Increased risk of cardiovascular events and death in people with diabetes due to extreme heat.” It is true that people with diabetes are at greater risk of experiencing dehydration and cardiovascular events during periods of extreme heat. With the increasing frequency of extreme heat episodes, there is an associated increased risk of heat-related death and cardiovascular events for people living with diabetes. Several studies reveal that people with diabetes have a higher risk of death on hot days, and are more likely to need emergency care and those with a history of heart disease are most vulnerable.

Finally, Answer four – 77.43% chose this answer, “All of the above.” YES. Great job, all of the answers are true, there is clear evidence that diabetes and climate changes are interconnected. As Diabetes Specialists, I believe we can make a difference by leaning into our unique blend of behavior change skills, advocacy, and scientific knowledge.
We can take a two-fold approach:

1. Take action to help slow and reverse climate change – Read our blog on actions we can start taking today.
2. Help people with diabetes to be prepared for natural disasters. Read our blog on How to Get Ready

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Studying for the CDCES Exam?

Enroll in CDCES Online Prep Bundle + 5th Ed ADCES Review Guide Book | 47 CEs

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What is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?

Read More: What is a CDCES?

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Why become a CDCES?
Three Reasons from Coach Beverly

Read More: 3 Reasons to Become a CDCES

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Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE!  Sign up below!

The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.