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August 2022 eNews | Diabetes Safety Update | Does Alcohol Blunt Glucagon Effectiveness?

August 2022 eNews | Diabetes Safety Update | Does Alcohol Blunt Glucagon Effectiveness?

Happy August

There is still time to celebrate warm summer nights before the days lengthen and get cooler. For people living with diabetes, summer parties, with their special treats and yummy drinks, can be complicated to navigate.

In our first article, we take a close look at the impact of alcohol on the effectiveness of glucagon rescue medications. As an educator for many years, I was not aware of alcohol’s impact on glucagon efficacy. Through increased knowledge, I am hopeful we can enhance the safety of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Our next article celebrates the abundance and deliciousness of summer fruit. Sadly, so often, people with diabetes are told not to eat fruit because it is “full of sugar.”

I reassure them that fruit is loaded with nutrients, fiber and decreases inflammation. In a new study, researchers highlight clear evidence that eating a portion of fruit is far better for our mental health than eating other sweet treats like cookies and snack foods. Plus, the study demonstrated that snacking on fruit not only boosts mood it can also improve cognition and decrease stress.

We also take a close look at the impact of those pesky dates on our food packaging. Almost 40% of food waste happens in our kitchen when consumers think food is too old to eat based on package dates. But, are we wasting food unnecessarily? Read more to gain clarity on what these dates signify. Let’s share this information with our communities to help decrease food waste and save money.

Lastly, we celebrate our special scholarship recipient, Judith, who recently earned her CDCES. Please join me in congratulating this dedicated, kind and enthusiastic individual.

We hope you enjoy our question and rationale of the week and we invite you to join our upcoming webinars and Virtual Conference.

Thank you in advance for your actions and advocacy on behalf of people living with diabetes.

Beverly, Bryanna, Robert, and Amanda

Featured Articles

Upcoming Webinars

ADCES Book Bundle

Free Resources


Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES?

Join us live August 10th at 11:30 am PST for our

Preparing for the CDCES Exam FREE Webinar

This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test taking readiness.

Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, register and we will send you a link to the recorded version.

Webinar Topics

Read More: Preparing for CDCES Exam Webinar Topics

Preparing for the CDCES Exam |
FREE Webinar

  • Exam requirement updates for 2022.
  • Exam eligibility and test format
  • Strategies to succeed along with a review of study tips and test-taking tactics.
  • We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
  • Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test-taking tips!


What is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist?

Read More: What is a CDCES?

First awarded in 1986, as Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) credential and in 2020 with a new name: Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) to more accurately reflect the specialty. CDCES has become a standard of excellence for the delivery of quality diabetes education. Those who hold this certification are known to possess comprehensive knowledge of and experience in diabetes prevention, management, and prediabetes.

Becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is one of the best professional and personal decisions I have ever made.” – Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM


Why become a CDCES?
Three Reasons from Coach Beverly

Read More: 3 Reasons to Become a CDCES

The best part of becoming a CDCES is working with my colleagues and people living with diabetes. As diabetes educators, we hear compelling and beautiful life stories. I am astounded by the barriers they face and inspired by their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

– Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Reason 1: CDCES is a widely recognized certification by employers and health care professionals throughout the U.S.  This credential demonstrates a specialized and in-depth knowledge in the prevention and treatment of individuals living with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Reason 2: Currently, 10% of people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 35% have pre-diabetes which means 45% of Americans are running around with elevated blood glucose levels.  Given this epidemic, there will be plenty of future job opportunities.

Reason 3: Having my CDCES along with my nursing degree, has opened many doors of opportunity; from working as an inpatient Diabetes Nurse Specialist in a hospital to working as a Manager of Diabetes Education in the outpatient setting to starting my own consulting company.


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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.

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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.

**To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.cbdce.org). CBDCE does not approve continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.

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