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:
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!
Topics:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
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!
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.
You are invited to join our upcoming FREE Webinars!
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.
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!
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.
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?
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Topics:
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!
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.
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.
Topics:
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
Topics:
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!
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.