We are thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th. As a diabetes educator who has the honor of serving the Hispanic and Latinx community, it is a joy to celebrate the rich cultural contributions and heritage of this community.
This month also provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about the health issues, including diabetes, that affect this community. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, one in two Hispanic men and women are predicted to develop type 2 diabetes within their lifetime. Compared to their white counterparts, those living with diabetes are 50% more likely to die from complications.
Lack of access to healthcare and language barriers can play a role in limiting diabetes self-management knowledge, combined with socioeconomic factors that contribute to challenges in receiving needed care, education, and diabetes treatments.
Given that diabetes is a significant health issue for Hispanic and Latinx populations in the United States, here are some key points to consider during Hispanic Heritage Month:
Hispanic Heritage Month provides a platform to address important health issues, such as diabetes, within Hispanic and Latinx communities. By decreasing barriers to education and access to healthcare, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of diabetes and improving the overall health and well-being of these important communities.
Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego on October 9-11, 2024.
You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.
Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy!
Each day, we provide a healthy breakfast, including fresh coffee, to kick off your morning. Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively. Plus, we play DiaBingo to reinforce key content. In addition, we provide plenty of movement breaks led by volunteers from the audience. Did we mention delicious lunches and a conference meeting space just minutes from San Diego Bay?
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $559-$799 (based on registration package) per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Time: The course is Wednesday through Friday. Join us for breakfast at 7:00 a.m. each day. The class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
For this month’s newsletter, we want to share articles of hope and value for our community.
Our first article highlights a new framework for providing diabetes self-management education and increasing those cherished “AHA” moments. As part of the team researching the effectiveness of the AH-HA framework, I’m sold on this simple and effective approach to encouraging self-discovery. The AH-HA program incorporates the 5 M framework, developed by Martha Funnell and team, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and empowerment for program participants. We have outlined the AH-HA program and invite you to experiment with this fresh approach when working with individuals or in group settings.
If you are looking for simple summer strategies to boost health, we have outlined three actions people with diabetes can take to improve their well-being. These achievable actions that are easy to kick-start and will provide blood glucose and health benefits long after summer fades into fall.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Bryanna’s August birthday. For the past 4 years, Bryanna has been a beacon of leadership, serving as our Director of Operations and visionary Customer Experience Advocate. Her recent initiatives, such as revitalizing our shopping cart images and reinforcing our commitment to inclusion and advocacy, have been truly inspiring. To kick off her birthday celebration, she suggested a $100 off summer sale, a suggestion we wholeheartedly embraced. And of course, we made sure her beloved cats, Biscuit and Muffin, were included in the celebration.
More good news. We are overjoyed to welcome Tiffany as the new Customer Advocate and Administrative Assistant to our team. Her calm and caring personality and her depth of knowledge of social media and education companies make her a fantastic addition to our team. As we continue to expand our community outreach, you will notice a revitalization of our Instagram platform and our Facebook CDCES Prep Page thanks to Tiffany’s hard work.
We celebrate our community every day and are deeply appreciative for all the hard work and dedication you put into improving diabetes care. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and we are truly grateful for your contributions.
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Warmly, Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Tiffany, Christine, Andrew, and Ginger |
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We love her wicked sense of humor, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge, all packaged together with her big-hearted humanity. Bryanna is also the proud mama of Biscuit and Muffin, who she often features as the feline stars in her “Cat Bakery.” Thank you, Bryanna, for your generosity and for leading our team with your expertise, humanity, and kindness. |
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
by Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES
The vibrant food, music, and culture of New Orleans, along with networking opportunities, were undoubtedly highlights of ADCES 24 this year. Thought-provoking sessions on health equality, disordered eating in diabetes, and strategies to prevent therapeutic inertia made ADCES 24 an enriching experience for all attendees.
Three key topics emerged on advancements aimed at improving individualized care management and actively shaping the future of diabetes care.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay.
Diabetes care and education specialists will benefit from an improved understanding of the applications and integrations available at our disposal. Integrating AI into clinical practice offers significant potential for personalized patient care, especially in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. AI-powered tools can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and provide tailored recommendations, enhancing the precision of nutritional guidance and diabetes management plans. However, challenges remain, particularly when ensuring the quality of AI systems. These models may lack diversity, leading to biases affecting data accuracy and recommendations.
Addressing AI biases is crucial to ensure AI tools support equitable healthcare delivery and foster better outcomes for all individuals with diabetes.
Whole Person Care – CV Risk Calculator
As our Standards of Care suggest, whole-person diabetes care involves going beyond glucose management and focusing on whole-body systems. Cardiovascular metabolic kidney (CKM) syndrome requires a multifaceted approach, targeting the interconnected risk factors of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney dysfunction.1 Published in 2023, the PREVENT calculator,2 developed by the American Heart Association Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Scientific Advisory group, provides a 10-year and 30-year risk estimate for CVD, ASCVD, and heart failure. The PREVENT equation considers cardiovascular and other risk factors such as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, A1C, or social determinants of health (zip code). We can utilize this risk calculator, but to address cardio, metabolic, and renal disease we can merge the health care silos and offer integrative, comprehensive care models and treatment plans.
By Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES
Type 1 Diabetes Key Updates
There are exciting advances in type one diabetes management including technology, organizational updates, and a focus on progression prevention. The latest advancements in automated insulin delivery (AID) technologies and new partnerships expand options for individuals with diabetes. These advances and additions to the competitive market are crucial for enhancing patient care and offering personalized management strategies.
On June 4th, 2024, JDRF became Breakthrough T1.3 This name change reflects the breakthroughs in research, access, and education and represents the diversity in the age of those living with type 1 diabetes. Prevention of type 1 diabetes progression is focused on immunotherapy approaches, aiming to preserve beta-cell function and delay the onset of the disease. Clinical trials have shown promise with therapies such as teplizumab-mzwv, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, which has been approved by the FDA to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in individuals at high risk. Early screening and identification of at risk through genetic and immunological markers are also being integrated into clinical practice, allowing for earlier intervention and more personalized prevention plans.
A new Consensus paper published in June of 2024 provides “Guidance for monitoring individuals with islet autobody-positive pre-stage 3 type 1 diabetes”.4 The paper reviews education, monitoring, and treatment initiation recommendations and discusses psychological support systems. This consensus notes that monitoring of stage 1 Type 1 Diabetes will most likely take place within primary care offices; however, specialists may be needed to support stage 2 monitoring and education. There will be new ICD-10 codes to allow improved monitoring of islet autobody-positive pre-stage individuals to ensure appropriate tracking and treatment when required. These developments reflect an emphasis on not just managing type 1 diabetes but actively working to prevent its progression and improve the quality of life for those at risk.
As diabetes care and education specialists, staying informed and engaged with the latest tools and approaches can improve quality of care. I encourage you to delve deeper into these topics, explore how AI can enhance your practice, integrate comprehensive care models like CKM into management, and keep abreast of the latest developments in type 1 diabetes treatment and prevention.
Together, we can continue to elevate the standard of care and improve outcomes for all individuals living with diabetes.
1. Krentz A, et al. Rising to the challenge of cardio-renal-metabolic disease in the 21st century: Translating evidence into best clinical practice to prevent and manage atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis. Volume 396, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.118528.
2. PREVENT Calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
3. Breakthrough T1: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/
4. Phillip M. et al. Consensus Guidance for Monitoring Individuals with Islet Autoantibody–Positive Pre-Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. July 2024; 47(8):1276–1298. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci24-0042
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Jessica Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES, is a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist committed to making nutrition education accessible to everyone. As the CEO and co-founder of Diabetes Digital, Jessica has been pivotal in developing an innovative telehealth platform that provides tailored nutrition counseling for individuals with diabetes and prediabetes.
Join me in San Diego for a presentation on MNT essentials that will prepare you for certification and beyond. We’ll incorporate Health at Every Size and a culturally inclusive framework that respects and empowers individuals with diabetes.
Jessica Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES
My approach to medical nutrition therapy is all about centering the individual—because they’re the experts on their own life! My job is to support them and offer practical tools for whatever they’re navigating. Instead of laying down a list of what someone “should” do, I always ask if I can share information and then work with them to figure out the next best (and realistic!) step. And if someone isn’t sure where to start, I’ll give them a menu of options so they can decide what feels doable.
I’m also a big fan of motivational interviewing, using things like reflecting and rolling with resistance to help people tap into their own inner drive.
As a Black dietitian, I strongly advocate for cultural humility in healthcare. I love working with diverse communities and learning about different foods and traditions. It’s important that people feel empowered to include their favorite cultural foods in ways that support their health without losing the joy and connection that food brings to their lives. I also practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective because everyone deserves access to healthcare, the opportunity to pursue health, and to be treated with respect—no matter their size.
I focus on building a healthy relationship with food by encouraging intuitive eating and body respect.
Honestly, I never thought I had a shot at becoming a CDCES until about ten years ago when Beverly gave an in-service at my job and taught us about diabetes. I still remember the stuffed pancreas toy that she used to demonstrate beta cell destruction. After her talk, I chatted with my supervisor and realized that my work at my primary care clinic counted towards my CDCES hours. Most of the people we served had a history of diabetes or prediabetes, and I was already providing counseling and sharing tips to help improve A1Cs.
Once I completed the required hours and my supervisor signed off, I signed up for Beverly’s DiabetesEd 3-day live training program in Carmel, California. As a dietitian, I was so nervous and intimidated by all the diabetes medications and insulin. But that course gave me all the tools I needed and helped me focus on what to study.
I was thrilled to pass the exam on my first try in 2016.
Since then, I’ve worked in various settings with countless individuals. The joy of seeing them improve their health, lower their A1c, and build a healthy relationship with food has been the one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.
Wendy Lopez and I started our companies because we saw a huge gap in how people, especially those from diverse backgrounds, were being supported around their health. We’re both dietitians (MS, RD, CDCES) with over 20 years of combined experience, and we’ve worked in all sorts of settings—UCSF, NYC Department of Health, Alameda Health System, Columbia/New York Presbyterian—you name it.
Through all of this, we kept seeing the same issues: outdated, one-size-fits-all advice that often wasn’t culturally relevant and sometimes even pushed people toward disordered eating patterns.
About 12 years ago, we decided to change the narrative by creating Food Heaven—a platform where wellness meets social justice. With Food Heaven, we’ve reached millions, breaking down how food, culture, and health are deeply connected and showing that there’s more than one way to be healthy. But as we continued our work and our audience grew, we felt a pull to go deeper into our roots in diabetes education and provide even more focused support for those living with diabetes.
That’s how Diabetes Digital came to life. With Diabetes Digital, we wanted to create an accessible space where diabetes care helps people thrive—not just manage numbers. We offer 1:1 diabetes nutrition counseling (covered by insurance!) through our team of diverse registered dietitians who are not only experts in diabetes care but also committed to culturally inclusive, weight-inclusive, and person-centered approaches.
How much time do we have? Because I have a lot of hobbies and I definitely live to eat! My favorite food is Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine—lucky for me, I married an Eritrean man! His mom is an amazing cook and often sends us home with delicious leftovers like homemade Injera, Shiro (chickpeas), Hamli (greens), and Timtimo (lentils).
As for hobbies, I’m currently doing improv, which is absolutely terrifying, but I’m doing it anyway—that’s my motto for my 40s! I also recently took a stand-up comedy course and performed a 7-minute routine at a comedy club… in front of a live audience. (Hey, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?) Besides that, I love anything related to real estate, home decor, gardening, travel, and animals. My dream career is to be a dog sitter, and hopefully, I will get there in retirement!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
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Diabetes Education Services offers education and training to diabetes educators in the areas of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes for the novice to the established professional. Whether you are training to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), practicing at an advanced level and interested in board certification, or a health care professional and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who needs continuing education hours to renew your license or CDCES, we have diabetes education information, resources and training; learning and teaching tools; and diabetes online courses available for continuing education (CE). Read our disclaimer for full disclosure.