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Rationale of the Week | Best approach with Low Literacy?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what is the best approach for people with low literacy skills. 63% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

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: Which of the following strategies is most effective when working with someone with low literacy skills?

Answer Choices:

  1. Be concrete and focus on problem solving.
  2. Speak slowly and clearly.
  3. Direct the teaching to the support person and encourage reinforcement.
  4. Underline key points on educational materials.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is correct. 63.27% chose this answer. “Be concrete and focus on problem solving.” Yes, this is the best answer. Since a person with low literacy can’t take notes or read information later, they will need to commit new information to memory. By providing concrete examples and engaging in collaborative problem solving, a person with low literacy can more effectively retain the information.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 13.70% of you chose this answer. “Speak slowly and clearly.” Just because a person hast low literacy doesn’t mean they have an intellectual disability. Maybe they didn’t have a chance to complete their education or experienced some other impediment to learning how to read and write. We can use a usual conversational pace and annunciation with this individual.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 10.20% of respondents chose this. “Direct the teaching to the support person and encourage reinforcement.” A general rule of effective communication is to direct the teaching and education to the person with diabetes, while including the support person.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 12.83% chose this answer. “Underline key points on educational materials.” Since people with low literacy have limited ability to read and write, using print materials with words would not be an effective method to provide education. Use of pictures and infographics, videos, podcasts or other educational strategies that don’t require literacy, would be excellent alternatives.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!


Want to learn more about this question?

ADA Standards of Care

Join us live on February 1, 2024, at 11:30 am PST

Topics:

  • A review of changes & updates to the annual ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes.
  • Identification of key elements of the position statement.
  • Discussion of how diabetes educators can apply this information in their clinical setting.

This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the annual updates to the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provides critical teaching points & content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care & education.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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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.

2023 – A Year of Celebrations

We had such a great time celebrating 25 years with all of you.

The first highlight of the year was connecting with colleagues at ADCES in Houston. It was like attending a family reunion with thousands of like-minded individuals. So many enthusiastic colleagues stopped me mid-stride to share the news of passing their CDCES or BC-ADM after attending our courses. Many hugs were shared, and there were plenty of tears of joy, too! As a diabetes education veteran, it was a special honor to present one of my passion topics, Revitalizing Your Diabetes Program. As part of my legacy education topics, this presentation is culled from my 30 years of working in the field and braving new approaches, sometimes failing but always moving forward with a clear focus on improving the care received by people with diabetes. Nothing is like the profound connection made with others in a shared community.

We also celebrated our 25th company anniversary for the entire year. Activities included lots of free webinars, new swag, and great sales. 

I started Diabetes Education Services in May of 1998, just after the World Wide Web was introduced, and sending messages through something called “email” was possible. At first, my one-person company only offered live courses at hospitals and meeting sites nationwide. My administrative space consisted of a 10×12 foot room in our home, where I juggled writing my monthly newsletter and updating slides while raising two busy toddlers. In 2010, I took a leap of faith and decided to try offering courses online.

Fast forward to today. Our business has grown to include a fantastic team and a newsletter reaching over 40,000 online subscribers. Our Online University includes over 50 CE courses that we update yearly, plus we offer a CDCES Coach app, blogs, an 8-sided PocketCard, keynote presentations, and more. This year, we held our three day DiabetesEd Course in San Diego and celebrated with a beautiful ocean view, special friends and delicious carrot cake topped with a 25 year candle.

Family celebrations.

My husband and I became empty nesters this year. Our oldest son is a senior at SMU and will graduate with his finance degree in May. Our youngest son is kicking off his chemistry degree at UC Berkeley. I miss the daily bustle and commotion of having my boys around, but I am overjoyed that they have found their place in this world and are boldly moving into adulthood. Of course, I can’t wait till they come home for the holidays so we can play cards, tell stories, and hang out together.

We also celebrated 25 years of marriage. My husband, Kristapor, continues his work as a critical care pharmacist at our local community hospital saving lives and advocating for best care at every turn. At the risk of sounding corny, my husband has been the wind beneath my wings. Having him as my partner throughout this life journey has given me a foundation of trust and love to take risks and live my dream. I am forever grateful that I commented on his cute tie when we worked together at Stanford hospital in 1996. The rest is history.

The truth is, we couldn’t have done any of this without all of YOU, our community. 

I am forever grateful for your willingness to support and believe in a young Diabetes Specialist who had the vision to create a company that uplifted people with diabetes through a blend of science and compassion.

Thanks to our dedicated community of diabetes educators and advocates for celebrating our 25th Anniversary with us. Stay tuned. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!


Join us for our 2024 Diabetes Fundamentals | Level 1 Updates

Airs live from January 11, 2024, to January 30, 2024, at 11:30 am PST

This series is designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in getting started in diabetes education and for those actively working toward becoming a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Each course in this series provides the critical building blocks and foundation for those entering the diabetes field.

Diabetes Fundamentals Sessions 2024 Webinar Updates

All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

  1. January 11, 2024 – Class 1: Getting to the Nitty Gritty | 1.5 CEs
  2. January 16, 2024 – Class 2: Nutrition & Exercise 1.5 | CEs
  3. January 18, 2024 – Class 3: Meds Overview for Type 2 | 1.5 CEs
  4. January 23, 2024 – Class 4: Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management | 1.75 CEs
  5. January 25, 2024 –Class 5: Goals of Care & Lower Extremity Assessment | 1.5 CEs
  6. January 30, 2024 – Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, & Monitoring | 1.5 CEs

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


FREE Resource Catalog

See Full Free Resource Catalog


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!

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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.

Question of the Week | Post Holiday Guilt – How to address?

AR is 15 years old and uses an automated insulin delivery (AID) system to manage their diabetes.

They tell you they feel so guilty about all the food and sweets they ate during the holidays and have been trying to get back on track.  What is the best response?

  1. Don’t worry about it, the insulin pump will keep your blood sugars on goal.
  2. Shall I make an appointment with our mental health specialist so you can explore your feelings?
  3. Sounds like you could benefit from a healthy eating coaching session?
  4. Lots of people have a tough time eating healthy during the holidays. What was hardest for you?

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question?

Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals

Airs live on January 11th-30th, 2024, at 11:30 am PT

Class Topics & Webinar Dates:

Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.


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!

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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.

Holiday Greetings from All of Us

You are invited to join our upcoming FREE Webinars!

Happy Holidays from the Cat Bakery

This year was an exciting one at the Cat Bakery, filled with lots of love, joy, and a bit of magic.

Last year I shared our newest addition to the Cat Bakery, Muffin, and the sibling rivalry with her new sister, Biscuit.

I am happy to report their relationship has grown immensely over the past year and while they still fight like sisters do, they have shared many sweet moments taking naps or playing with each other.

This year we sent family holiday cards for Halloween and will be sending more for the winter holidays to our loved ones.

Since we love all of you, we wanted to share these pictures with you of our holiday photoshoots.


Happy Holidays from Biscuit & Muffin


Halloween Cards

This year they dressed up as witches for Halloween, apropos of the magic they bring into my life

Sending lots of love this Holiday Season!

Biscuit, Muffin & Bryanna (Director of Operations & Customer Happiness)


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!

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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.

Question of the Week | New ADA 2024 Standards – Meds for Type 2 Diabetes

Based on the newly released 2024 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care, which of the following statements is NOT accurate regarding treatment for hyperglycemia?

  1. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have the highest weight loss efficacy.
  2. Metformin may be only safely used in people with an estimated GFR of 45 or greater.
  3. Avoid dual GIP and GLP-1 RA therapy in people with gastroparesis.
  4. Consider combination therapy in people presenting with A1C levels 1.5–2.0% above goal.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question?

Meds Management Update for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21st, 2023, at 11:30 am PT

Topics:

  • Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
  • Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
  • List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

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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.

Upcoming webinars | How to Assess Well-Being & Meds Management for Type 2 Diabetes

Be a part of our diabetes community while learning about the latest in diabetes care. Plus, Coach Beverly provides an interactive question and answer session at the end of each live webinar.


Join us for our upcoming How to Assess Well-Being | From Populations to Individuals

Airs live on December 19th, 2023, at 11:30 am PT

Topics:

  • State strategies to assess & address social determinants of health.
  • Discuss healthcare delivery systems using a person-centered approach.
  • List screening tools that can help detect depression, trauma, & cognitive decline.
  • Describe psycho-social & emotional barriers to diabetes self-management.
  • Provide strategies for healthcare professionals to identify & overcome barriers to self-care.

This course offers critical content that will help with certification exam success. Coach Beverly will delve into Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, & behavior change approaches.

She will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors & provide strategies to identify & overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. This is a great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment & coping strategies.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


Meds Management for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21st, 2023, at 11:30 am PT

Topics:

  • Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
  • Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
  • List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

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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.

Rationale of the Week | What is the difference between CDCES vs. BC-ADM?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what is the difference between a CDCES & BC-ADM. 57% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

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: What best describes the difference between a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and a person Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM)?

Answer Choices:

  1. A bachelor’s degree or higher is required to obtain a CDCES.
  2. BC-ADMs are responsible for increased complexity in decision making.
  3. With an advanced degree, BC-ADM’s are qualified to set up an independent practice.
  4. The main difference is that BC-ADM’s prescribe medications based on diagnosis.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is incorrect. 8.68% chose this answer.” A bachelor’s degree or higher is required to obtain a CDCES.”

Eligibility to take the exam is based on licensure, registration, or certification. According to the CDCES website, the following health care professionals meet the discipline requirement.

  • Clinical psychologist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Optometrist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physical therapist
  • Physician (M.D. or D.O.)
  • Podiatrist
  • Registered nurse (includes nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists)
  • Dietitian or dietitian nutritionist holding active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  • PA holding active registration with the NCCPA
  • Exercise physiologist holding active certification as an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP®)
  • Health educator holding active certification as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
  • Master’s degree in social work

Answer 2 is correct. 56.62% of you chose this answer.” BC-ADMs are responsible for increased complexity in decision making.”

 

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 15.68% of respondents chose this. “With an advanced degree, BC-ADM’s are qualified to set up an independent practice.”

This is a juicy answer but is not correct. Let’s say I want to set up shop as a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Public Health. I also have my CDCES and BC-ADM. Even with my BC-ADM, I couldn’t bill for services, and under whose oversight would I see people with diabetes and make treatment recommendations?

Again, it’s not the BC-ADM that creates the opportunity to set up an independent practice. As a licensed RN, I can’t set up an independent practice and bill for my services in my state. Certification does not change your scope of practice and can come from different organizations. Each state’s licensure and scope of practice regulations come from a governmental authority. We must practice within the legal parameters of our scope of practice based on licensure.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 19.03% chose this answer. “The main difference is that BC-ADM’s prescribe medications based on diagnosis.”

The BC-ADM is a certification exam and it does not confer prescriptive authority. Only those with certain licenses can prescribe medications, and the regulations can vary from state to state. For example, I am a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Public Health. I also have my CDCES and BC-ADM. As a licensed RN, I do not have prescriptive authority. Certification does not change your scope of practice and can come from different organizations. Licensure comes from governmental authority.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!


Want to learn more about this question?

CDCES or BC-ADM, Which Certification is Right for Me?

Now Recorded & Ready for OnDemand Viewing

Topics:

  • Discuss the similarities and differences between the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials.
    • CDCES or certified diabetes care and education specialist  
    • BC-ADM or board certification in advanced diabetes management  
  • List the academic and experiential qualifications to take both exams.
  • Explore which certification best match your personal and professional goals.
  • Describe the steps to study and prepare for exam success for both certifications.

Coach Beverly is excited to share her insights on determining the best certification choice and the pathway to success.  She will share her personal journey on achieving both her CDCES and BC-ADM over 20 years ago and how these credentials have impacted her opportunities as a diabetes specialist and president of her own company. We hope you can join us!

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

 

Meds Management Update for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21, 2023, at 11:30 am PST

Topics:

  • Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
  • Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
  • List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required



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.