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Rationale of the Week | Why is Diabetes Foot Care So Important?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on why diabetes foot care is important. 91% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to 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: Why is it important that people with diabetes pay special attention to taking care of their feet?

Answer Choices:

  1. Years of insulin injections can increase risk of lower extremity complications.
  2. People with diabetes often experience changes in lower extremity sensation and circulation.
  3. Unusual skin growths are associated with diabetes unless preventative measures are routinely used.
  4. Everyone with diabetes needs a referral to a Podiatrist to prevent foot problems from starting.

As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 4, then a tie for options 1 and 3.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 1.39% chose this answer, “Years of insulin injections can increase risk of lower extremity complications.” Insulin injections don’t increase the risk of lower extremity problems and they might even reduce the risk of vascular disease by improving blood glucose levels.

Answer 2 is correct. 91.29% of you chose this answer, “People with diabetes often experience changes in lower extremity sensation and circulation.” YES, GREAT JOB. Diabetes can contribute to increased risk of vessel disease and neuropathy if blood glucose levels and blood pressure readings are chronically above target. Of course, genetics and environment also play a role in increasing or decreasing the risk of lower extremity complications. By providing people with diabetes strategies to protect lower extremities and care for their feet, health care professionals make a big dent in improving outcomes. We have free patient education handouts that you are welcome to share with the clients you serve. Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language and is also available in Spanish, Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 1.39% of respondents chose this answer, “Unusual skin growths are associated with diabetes unless preventative measures are routinely used.” People with diabetes are not at increased risk of skin growths, however they are at risk for fungal infections, especially if blood sugars are elevated. Keeping feet clean and dry, especially in between toes can help ward off infections and interdigit maceration. We have free patient education handouts that you are welcome to share with the clients you serve. Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language and is also available in Spanish, Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 5.92% chose this answer, “Everyone with diabetes needs a referral to a Podiatrist to prevent foot problems from starting.” A person with diabetes, well managed glucose levels, who can safely provide their own foot care does not need a referral to a Podiatrist. However, people with neuropathy, vascular disease, foot deformities, thick toenails, or a history of foot problems, usually benefit from being referred to a Podiatrist for assessment and care. You can download or free 3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.


Want to learn more about this question?
Enroll in our Foot Screening Bundle, now on Sale!

This bundle includes our 3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report Webinar + 20-pack of Monofilament + ADA Foot Screening Chart

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.

This bundle comes with our:

We have included instructions on assessing and inspecting feet, risk assessment, and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.

FREE Handouts and Resources

Read More: FREE Handouts and Resources

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.


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.

Question of the Week | Best action to treat a corn?

A person with diabetes has small corn on their pinky toe and it bothers them when walking.

What is the best first action?

  1.  Instruct them on to how to safely use a liquid corn remover.
  2. Encourage them to buy a shoe size larger than their usual shoe size.
  3. Carefully trim the corn with a sterile instrument and cover with gauze padding.
  4. Refer the person to a foot specialist.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question?
Foot Screening Bundle – Purchase Now and save $15!

3 Steps to Save Feet Webinar Airs live today, July 19th at 11:30 am PST

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

FREE Handouts and Resources

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.


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

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.


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.

Foot Care Toolkit: A 3-Step Process to Save Feet

All health care professionals are invited to learn how to assess feet.

Foot Care Toolkit

We have created a Foot Care Toolkit! This toolkit includes a Handout on how to perform a 10-minute foot assessment, a patient education handout, plus a webinar detailing how to use these tools. Plus, we now offer discounted monofilaments that you can use in your practice setting.

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Webinar: Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

No matter your profession, learning the basics of lower extremity assessment can help you to identify when people with diabetes are in jeopardy of serious foot problems. Basic foot care assessment and education can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50%.

According to a 2019 article published in Diabetes Care, the rate of amputations in the U.S. is increasing. Each year, people with diabetes experience over 100,000 non-traumatic amputations. In the United States, every 17 seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes, and every day 230 Americans with diabetes will suffer an amputation.

There are also major health disparities in people at the highest risk of losing their lower extremities. African Americans are 4 times more likely to experience diabetes-related amputation than whites.

If each one of us reading this article prevented ONE amputation, we could prevent 40, 000 amputations.

By assessing and screening for feet at risk, including using a monofilament to detect loss of protective sensation, diabetes healthcare professionals can immediately identify high-risk feet and take steps to protect lower extremities.

Learn how to take an active role in decreasing this devastating loss of limb and often life.


Join us for our Webinar
3 Steps to Save Feet: Assess, Screen, Report

Webinar Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

Topics include:

  • Effective foot assessment made easy
  • How to use a monofilament to assess sensation
  • Using a screening form to report findings

All health care professionals are invited to join us to learn strategies to protect lower extremities. Enroll for $19 for 1.0 CE.

We are excited to share this life-saving information with our community of diabetes advocates.

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

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

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.


NEW! Order Monofilament (5.07) for Diabetes Foot Screening 20-Pack

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. By using a 5.07 monofilament (delivers 10gms of linear pressure) to assess for loss of sensation, diabetes health care professionals can immediately identify high-risk feet and take steps to protect lower extremities. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.

We are excited to provide these single-use 5.07 monofilaments in packs of 20. 

We have included instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.


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.

Rationale of the Week | How to use a Monofilament to Check Feet

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on the best use of monofilament to check feet. 60% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to 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: ADA Standards of Care recommend using a 5.07 monofilament to evaluate for loss of protective sensation in lower extremities in people with diabetes.  Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding using a monofilament to assess lower extremities?

Answer Choices:

  1. When using the monofilament, test above or below thickened or callused skin.
  2. Be careful not to bend the monofilament when testing for sensation.
  3. Alternate between hot and cold testing with monofilament testing to enhance accuracy.
  4. Rotate monofilament testing between the medial malleolus and distal phalanges for best results.

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

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is correct. 60.00% chose this answer, “When using the monofilament, test above or below thickened or callused skin.” YES, GREAT JOB. Many people with diabetes have calluses and thickened skin that will block the sensation of 10gms of linear pressure delivered by the monofilament. For this reason, avoid areas with thickened insensate skin and test for sensation above or below the callused location.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 11.27% of you chose this answer, “Be careful not to bend the monofilament when testing for sensation.” Actually, to deliver 10gms of linear pressure using a monofilament, the examiner needs to slightly bend the 5.07 filament into a “C” position. This will deliver the correct amount of pressure to evaluate if the person is experiencing loss of sensation.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 4.13% of respondents chose this answer, “Alternate between hot and cold testing with monofilament testing to enhance accuracy.” Hot and cold testing is a strategy to determine if the person has decreased temperature sensation. However alternating between these two assessment techniques won’t enhance the testing accuracy of the monofilament.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 24.60% chose this answer, “Rotate monofilament testing between the medial malleolus and distal phalanges for best results.” This is a juicy answer with some cool foot terms. The medial malleolus is actually the bump that protrudes on the inner ankle and the distal phalanges are the tips of the toes. The inner ankle is not one of the points of assessment using a monofilament. The large toe, the foot pad and heel are locations included in a foot assessment using a 5.07 monofilament.


Want to learn more about this question?
Join us for our new FREE Webinar
3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report

Airs live July 19th at 11:30 am PST (45 to 60 minutes)

All health care professionals are invited to join us to learn strategies to protect lower extremities during this FREE Webinar.

Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

CEs: 1.0 CEs for $19 or No CEs for FREE

Topics include:

  • Effective foot assessment made easy
  • How to use a monofilament to assess sensation
  • Using screening form to report findings
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

FREE Handouts and Resources

Read More: FREE Handouts and Resources

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.


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

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.


NEW! Order Monofilament (5.07) for Diabetes Foot Screening 20-Pack

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. By using a 5.07 monofilament (delivers 10gms of linear pressure) to assess for loss of sensation, diabetes health care professionals can immediately identify high-risk feet and take steps to protect lower extremities. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.

We are excited to provide these single-use 5.07 monofilaments in packs of 20. 

We have included instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.

Want to learn more about Diabetes Care?  Join us for our

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference
30+ CEs

Airs October 12-14th, 2022

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Course and enjoy a sense of community!

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

Team of expert faculty includes:

  • Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
  • Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
  • Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator

Two Registration Options

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

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.

You’re invited to our Upcoming FREE Webinars!

You’re invited to join us for our upcoming FREE webinars on Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam on July 14th and 3 Steps to Save Feet on July 19th!


Starting your journey to becoming a BC-ADM?

Join us live Thursday, July 14th at 11:30 am PST for our

Preparing for the BC-ADM 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 BC-ADM Exam Webinar Topics

Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam |
FREE Webinar

Coach Beverly will discuss:

  • exam eligibility and test format,
  • strategies to succeed
  • study tips and test-taking tactics.

She will also review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers. We hope you can join us


Join us for our new FREE Webinar
3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report

Airs live July 19th at 11:30 am PST (45 to 60 minutes)

All health care professionals are invited to join us to learn strategies to protect lower extremities during this FREE Webinar.

Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

CEs: 1.0 CEs for $19 or No CEs for FREE

Read More: 3 Steps to Save Feet Webinar Topics

Topics include:

  • Effective foot assessment made easy
  • How to use a monofilament to assess sensation
  • Using screening form to report findings
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

FREE Handouts and Resources

Read More: FREE Handouts and Resources

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.


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

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.


NEW! Order Monofilament (5.07) for Diabetes Foot Screening 20-Pack

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. By using a 5.07 monofilament (delivers 10gms of linear pressure) to assess for loss of sensation, diabetes health care professionals can immediately identify high-risk feet and take steps to protect lower extremities. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.

We are excited to provide these single-use 5.07 monofilaments in packs of 20. 

We have included instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.


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.

Question of Week | Why is Diabetes Foot Care So Important?

Why is it important that people with diabetes pay special attention to taking care of their feet?

  1. Years of insulin injections can increase risk of lower extremity complications.
  2. People with diabetes often experience changes in lower extremity sensation and circulation.
  3. Unusual skin growths are associated with diabetes unless preventative measures are routinely used.
  4. Everyone with diabetes needs a referral to a Podiatrist to prevent foot problems from starting.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question?
Join us for our new FREE Webinar
3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report

Airs live July 19th at 11:30 am PST (45 to 60 minutes)

All health care professionals are invited to join us to learn strategies to protect lower extremities during this FREE Webinar.

Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

CEs: 1.0 CEs for $19 or No CEs for FREE

Topics include:

  • Effective foot assessment made easy
  • How to use a monofilament to assess sensation
  • Using screening form to report findings
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

FREE Handouts and Resources

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet – Steps to Healthy Feet. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet in Spanish– Pasos Para Tener Pies Sanos. This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.


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

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.


NEW! Order Monofilament (5.07) for Diabetes Foot Screening 20-Pack

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. By using a 5.07 monofilament (delivers 10gms of linear pressure) to assess for loss of sensation, diabetes health care professionals can immediately identify high-risk feet and take steps to protect lower extremities. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.

We are excited to provide these single-use 5.07 monofilaments in packs of 20. 

We have included instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.


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.

You’re invited – Prep for CDCES Exam FREE Webinar | Tomorrow, July 12th

Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES?

Join us live Tuesday, July 12th 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.


Want to learn more about Diabetes Care?  View our

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference
30+ CEs

Airs October 12-14th, 2022

Virtual Conference Banner with Speakers

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Course and enjoy a sense of community!

Team of expert faculty includes:

  • Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
  • Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
  • Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator

Two Registration Options


Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

  • Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
  • LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
  • State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
  • Resources for each session.
  • Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Deluxe Version includes Syllabus, Standards and Swag*:

  • Diabetes Educator Course 2022 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
  • ADA 2022 Standards of Care Book -The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes is a key resource for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care, education, and support.
  • DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard, Tote Bag and Pen

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | 30+ CEs

Basic Option for $399: Virtual Program includes:

  • Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
  • LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
  • State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
  • Resources for each session.
  • Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

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.

July 2022 eNews | 3 Steps to”DeFeet” Amputations in People with Diabetes

July 2022 eNews | 3 Steps to”DeFeet” Amputations in People with Diabetes

Happy July

It’s officially summer. What better season to celebrate feet and lower extremities!

My passion for lower extremity advocacy began with my work at Stanford Hospital over 25 years ago. A kind-hearted man was admitted to the vascular unit with an infected foot ulcer and osteomyelitis. Despite days of antibiotic therapy and wound care, a partial foot amputation was required. He was devastated by this loss and so was I.

Here is the real tragedy. I am sure this amputation could have been prevented with some simple foot care education.

For this newsletter issue, we have put together a toolkit full of foot care resources that we are excited to share with you, including a FREE Webinar on 3 Steps to Save Feet.

Amputation rates are on the rise. We hope by sharing these tools and information, we reverse this trend and save limbs.

The great thing about foot care education is that all health care professionals can engage in sharing the prevention strategies outlined in our free handouts. Just think of all the unnecessary suffering we can prevent by looking at feet, providing education, and taking action on any unusual foot findings.

I think our foot care motto from Stanford Hospital says it best, “Lift the Sheets and Look at the Feets”. Let’s just start with this first step.

We are also overjoyed to announce that we are providing two Flower Scholarships that cover the cost of our Fall Virtual DiabetesEd Course. Applications are now being accepted.

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

Beverly, Bryanna, Robert, and Amanda


Featured Articles

Upcoming FREE Webinars

Free Resources


Want to learn more about this question?
Join us for our new FREE Webinar
3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report

Airs live July 19th at 11:30 am PST (45 to 60 minutes)

All health care professionals are invited to join us to learn strategies to protect lower extremities during this FREE Webinar.

Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

CEs: 1.0 CEs for $19 or No CEs for FREE

Topics include:

  • Effective foot assessment made easy
  • How to use a monofilament to assess sensation
  • Using screening form to report findings
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

FREE Handouts and Resources

3 Steps to Save Feet – Assess, Screen, Report Handout.  This handout walks health care professionals through the steps involved in a 10-minute foot assessment and monofilament screening. Also includes a Screening Form to document and report findings.

Foot Care Teaching Sheet: This handout covers the important elements of foot care for people living with diabetes with simple and straightforward language.


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

Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years. As president and founder of Diabetes Educational Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.


NEW! Order Monofilament (5.07) for Diabetes Foot Screening 20-Pack

People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot complications. By using a 5.07 monofilament (delivers 10gms of linear pressure) to assess for loss of sensation, diabetes health care professionals can immediately identify high-risk feet and take steps to protect lower extremities. Basic foot care education and intervention can reduce the risk of amputation by over 50 percent.

We are excited to provide these single-use 5.07 monofilaments in packs of 20. 

We have included instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We enhanced the teaching tools and forms from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) and are excited to share them with our community of diabetes advocates.


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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.