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NEW ADA 2022 Standards – Easy Access on CDCES Coach App

If you are like me, you can’t wait to read through updated ADA Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC booklet version doesn’t arrive for a few weeks. But don’t worry, we have a solution.

Start reviewing the Standards Today with our CDCES Coach App!

Click below to download our CDCES Coach App to read the Standards today.

Want to be notified when the Standards of Care Book is available for pre-order?

Click Here to be Notified for the SoC Book Pre-order

You are invited to join Coach Bev on February 3rd at 11:30 for an intensive 2-hour live webinar reviewing what Diabetes Specialists need to know about the updated standards.

Enroll in our Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs

This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2022 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for health care professionals involved in diabetes care and education.

Enroll now for 2.0 CEs | $29

Objectives:

  1. A review of changes and updates to the 2022 ADA Standards of Medical Care
  2. Identification of key elements of the position statement
  3. Discussion of how diabetes educators can apply this information in their clinical setting

Intended Audience:  This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for their patients with diabetes and other related conditions.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

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!

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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 | “I take insulin when I feel like it”

We quizzed test takers on identifying why a teenager with type 1 is only taking insulin “when they feel like it”. 73% of respondents, chose the best answer. We want to share this important info so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes, your colleagues and 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 below: Answer Question

Question: JR is a 15-year-old admitted to the hospital with DKA for the second time this month.  JR says they are tired of their parents always telling them how to manage their diabetes. They just stopped wearing their continuous glucose monitor and tell you they “take insulin when they feel like it”. 

What best describes what this teenager is experiencing?

Answer Choices:

  • Diabetes distress.
  • Diabetes burnout.
  • Severe anxiety.
  • Fear of hypoglycemia.

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

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 24.39% chose this answer, “Diabetes distress.” JR certainly is dealing with aspects of diabetes distress, which is described as feeling like it’s too much or that things are out of control. However, the fact that “JR just stopped wearing their continuous glucose monitor and is only “taking insulin when they feel like it”, gives us a more complete understanding that JR is experiencing more than distress. Please see our blog on How to Identify Diabetes Distress and Burnout.

Answer 2 is correct. 73.17% of you chose this answer, “Diabetes burnout.” YES, this is the BEST ANSWER. Great job! Diabetes burnout is an emotional reaction that is usually more intense than diabetes distress. A person in the state of burnout is someone with diabetes who has grown tired of managing their condition, then simply ignores it for a period of time. The fact that JR stopped wearing their CGM and only takes insulin when they feel like it, are strong indicators that JR is on a diabetes vacation and is burned out. This might mistakenly be perceived as non-compliance, but these behaviors indicate that JR is really struggling and needs the support of the health care team. Visit our page on Diabetes Burnout or Distress? 12 Reframes that can HELP for ideas to support people struggling with their diabetes self care.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 1.33% of respondents chose this answer, “Severe anxiety.” Hardly any of you chose this because in this vignette, JR is not exhibiting any signs of anxiety. Good job.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 1.11% chose this answer, “Fear of hypoglycemia.” Since this vignette does not mention that JR has experienced lows or that JR lets blood sugars run high to prevent lows, this is not the best answer. Good job.

Learn more about Diabetes Distress in our December Newsletter.

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 important learning activity!

Want to learn more? Join our Webinar on Hyperglycemic Crisis, which is ready for viewing!

Want to learn more about this topic?

Enroll in our Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs

Updated for the new 2022 ADA Standards of Care

This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.

Enroll now for 1.5 CEs | $29

Objectives:

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

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

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!

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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 | The truth about NPH Insulin?

NPH insulin, introduced in 1946 was one of the first basal insulins.  It is considered intermediate-acting basal insulin since the duration of action is about a half-day.  Given its effectiveness and affordability, it is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.

Which of the following is a true statement regarding NPH insulin?

  • In most states, it can be purchased over the counter without a prescription
  • Instructions include to gently shake before injection to adequately mix the particles
  • NPH stands for Natural Proinsulin Hagedorn
  • Due to its high rates of hypoglycemia, NPH is no longer recommended.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

Want to learn more about this topic?

Enroll in our Diabetes Fundamentals | Level 1

Airs Live Jan 11th – Jan 27th, 2022 at 11:30 am PST

This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.

Enroll now for 9 CEs | $109

2022 Live Webinar Updates

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

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!

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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.

Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit Webinar | Recorded & Ready to Watch!

Our Updated Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit Webinar
with 20 Sample Practice Questions is Recorded & Ready to Watch!

You are invited to join Coach Beverly for this FREE Webinar. And, if you want to have access to an additional 220+ sample practice online questions, you can purchase the complete Test Taking Toolkit.

For many of us, taking the certification exam is a nerve-wracking process.

During this webinar, Coach Beverly will help you transform your nervousness into focused energy that will help you succeed. She will provide test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times.

2 Ways to Join Test Taking Webinar

Watch Webinar for FREE

Click Here to View FREE Webinar

This includes a review of 20 sample test questions with test-taking strategies. This does not include access to the recorded webinar or the practice questions.

This includes access to the recorded version of this webinar on your Online University Student Portal. Plus, the Test Taking Toolkit provides you with over 220 sample online practice questions, simulating the exam experience. A perfect way to assess your knowledge and create a focused study plan, while increasing your test-taking confidence.

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

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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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*

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.

Diabetes Burnout or Distress? 12 Reframes that can HELP

Let’s be honest. There is a lot of work associated with diabetes self-management. And despite best efforts, sometimes blood sugars just land in the above target or below target zone. That’s why we are trying to move away from using the term “control”, because it suggests that a person can take certain actions to get blood sugars on target all the time, and that’s just not true. At any given time, there are dozens of factors affecting blood sugar including; body temperature, stress levels, glucagon release, activity level, undigested food, metabolic rate, time since eating and many more.

Plus, diabetes self-management can be very burdensome, especially when you add on the emotional responses and expectations. Here is how a diabetes specialist, Heather Beiden Jacobs, described the burden of daily self-management.

Let’s imagine that each self-care activity is a different size rock that a person carries around in their diabetes backpack.  They check their blood sugar before breakfast and it’s above target.  The first rock in the backpack is pretty heavy because it holds the action of evaluating their blood sugar PLUS the emotions around the number being above their target.  They take some insulin (next rock) and skip breakfast and head to work.  They get low blood sugar while at a meeting and need to leave to get a snack from the vending machine (soda).  This is another heavy rock, because not only did they have to manage a low, but there can also be a lot of big feelings around letting blood sugars go too low. Throughout the rest of the day, they add several more rocks to their backpack which can make things can start getting really heavy and burdensome.

If this kind of day only happens occasionally then their backpack is usually pretty light and manageable. But, if day after day the blood sugars are fluctuating a lot and the person can’t seem to get them on target, the backpack becomes very heavy and unwieldy.

That’s when the negative and judgmental emotions can creep in, these are the ones that are usually associated with feeling like they are not doing enough to manage their diabetes. That no matter what, blood sugars are “out of control”.

This can dramatically impact the daily quality of life and their ability to self-manage.  A person might feel like, why bother? They might even take a diabetes vacation. We want to support people on their diabetes self-management journey and help them minimize distress and burnout. Coach Beverly listened to a bunch of great podcasts by the experts in the field and compiled a summary of the suggestions plus added in a few of her own garnered from decades of supporting people through “diabetes vacations”.

12 Reframes to Help with Diabetes Burnout or Distress

Download PDF List of 12 Reframes to Share
  • It’s not your fault you have diabetes. It’s not your fault your pancreas doesn’t work right.
  • You can’t control your blood sugars all the time, but you can take actions to manage your diabetes to the best of your ability.
  • Blood sugars are not good or bad, they are just numbers that inform us of what action is needed next.
  • Listen to your self-talk.  It is tempting to be overly self-critical and blame ourselves.  Try to imagine you are coaching a friend with diabetes. What advice or coaching would you provide?
  • Diabetes isn’t about perfect or getting it right all the time. Its about taking baby steps to make small improvements and keep safe.  
  • Take short mental breaks from your diabetes – walk outside, enjoy a hobby, listen to music, volunteer, join a group.
  • Talk about your feelings to friends and family.  Let them know how to help you succeed and things that don’t help.
  • Keep active, nourish your body, try meditation, enjoy oxygen cocktails, get out in nature.
  • Remind yourself of all the work you ARE doing to manage your diabetes
  • Join diabetes camps, social media groups, find your people, your community.
  • Consider connecting with a mental health professional.
  • Remember, you are not alone. You are resilient. You are not your blood sugars. You got this.  Baby Steps.
Download List of 12 Reframes to Share
Click here for How to Identify Diabetes Distress or Burnout

Want to learn more about this topic?

Enroll in our Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs

Annual Update Recorded on December 21st

This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.

Enroll now for 1.5 CEs | $29

Objectives:

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

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

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!

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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 Week | What is the Truth about Hyperglycemic Crisis?

We quizzed test takers on hyperglycemic crisis. 61% of respondents, chose the best answer. We want to share this important info so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues and 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 below: Answer Question

Question: People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can experience hyperglycemic crises. 

Which of the following is true about Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Answer Choices:

  • People with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA) are not at risk of DKA.
  • DKA is associated with hyperkalemia and elevated pH.
  • DKA can be managed with IV or Sub-Q insulin therapy.
  • People with type 1 on SGLT-2s have lower risk of DKA than those with type 2.

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

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 7.85% chose this answer, “People with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA) are not at risk of DKA.” Any person with a substantial insulin deficiency (including type 1, type 2 and people with LADA) are at risk of ketoacidosis. The risk increases during periods of illness, inadequate calorie intake or when an individual is not injecting adequate insulin. Most individuals with LADA need insulin within 6 months of diagnosis to maintain glucose levels. Without insulin injections, people with LADA can’t use glucose for fuel and will start burning fat for energy, which leads to excess circulating ketones and potentially DKA.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 23.36% of you chose this answer, “DKA is associated with hyperkalemia and elevated pH.” Part of this answer is correct, which makes it a juicy answer. This common test taking pitfall is easy to fall into. It is true that people in DKA can become hyperkalemic, but they also always experience acidosis, which causes the pH to fall, not elevate.

Answer 3 is correct. 60.93% of respondents chose this answer, “DKA can be managed with IV or Sub-Q insulin therapy.” Yes, GREAT job, this is the BEST answer. Mild or moderate DKA can be treated using SubQ insulin and all levels of DKA can be treated with IV insulin. The treatment choice is based on health care setting, provider preference, and the patient’s presentation.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 7.85% chose this answer, “People with type 1 on SGLT-2s have lower risk of DKA than those with type 2.” Some people living with Type 1 may be started on an SGLT-2 (which is OFF-LABEL) by their provider to help with glucose management and lower insulin needs. People with type 2 diabetes, may also be started on an SLGT-2. Both groups are at increased risk for experiencing DKA on a SGLT-2. However, the person with type 1 is at HIGHER risk of experiencing DKA, because they have an absolute insulin deficiency and if they reduce their insulin dose too much, they might need to convert from using glucose for fuel to fat for fuel, leading to DKA.

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 important learning activity!

Want to learn more? Join our Webinar on Hyperglycemic Crisis, which is ready for viewing!

Want to learn more about this topic?

Level 2 | Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE

Annual Webinar Recorded on December 15th

This course discusses common causes of hyperglycemia crises. Topics include hyperglycemia secondary to medications and insulin deprivation. The difference and similarities between Diabetes Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome are also covered. Treatment strategies for all situations are included.

Enroll now for 1.0 CEs | $19

Objectives:

  1. Common causes of hyperglycemic crises.
  2. The difference and similarities between DKA and HHS and treatment strategies
  3. Causes and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below Annual Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

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!

[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]

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 | “I take insulin when I feel like it”

JR is a 15-year-old admitted to the hospital with DKA for the second time this month.  JR says they are tired of their parents always telling them how to manage their diabetes. They just stopped wearing their continuous glucose monitor and tell you they “take insulin when they feel like it”. 

What best describes what this teenager is experiencing?

  • Diabetes distress.
  • Diabetes burnout.
  • Severe anxiety.
  • Fear of hypoglycemia.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

Want to learn more about this topic?

Enroll in our Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs

Annual Update Airs Live on December 21st at 11:30 am PST

This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.

Enroll now for 1.5 CEs | $29

Objectives:

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

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

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!

[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]

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 | I am non-binary. Will having diabetes impact my sexual health?

We quizzed test takers on diabetes and sexual health. 73% of respondents, chose the best answer. Since we are addressing diabetes distress in our December newsletter, we thought this would be the right time to explore this topic in more depth. As we all know, sexual health and well being are interrelated. We want to share this important info on discussing sexual well being, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues.

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question

Question: JR is a 33-year-old who is non-binary and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During your assessment, JR asks if diabetes can affect their sexual health.

What is the best response?

Answer Choices:

  • That is a complicated question that is best discussed with your provider
  • Here is a pamphlet on LGBTQ+ issues and sexuality that explains the most frequently asked questions.
  • According to the data, there is a higher rate of erectile dysfunction in people living with diabetes.
  • There is a relationship between elevated blood sugars and sexual health.

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

Getting to the Best Answer and Providing Inclusive Care

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, providing person-centered care is at the heart of the exam. Being familiar with diabetes care across the lifespan and for diverse populations is also really important. 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” that seem so familiar to you, right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the to choose the BEST answer based on the person’s characteristics.

Inclusive Care and Gender Identity

In this Question of the week, we are working with JR who identifies as non-binary. Let’s take a moment and address how this might impact our approach to care.

First, since JR let’s us know that they are non-binary, what does that mean?

Nonbinary describes someone whose gender doesn’t fit within the gender binary of a man or a woman. “Nonbinary” is an umbrella term that expresses a wide range of gender identities; other terms someone may use to describe themselves is genderqueer or gender non-conforming, among others. It is important to check in with each person and ask them how they identify. One way of doing this is to introduce yourself, along with your pronouns, and then ask what pronouns the other person uses, as in the example below.

“Hello, my name is Beverly and I go by ‘she, her’ pronouns. What pronouns do you use?” 
or
“How would you like me to refer to you?”  

By paying careful attention to each person’s experience from the moment they walk in the door until we say goodbye, we can find ways to create a more inclusive environment. This awareness of the details, such as inclusive gender questions on intake forms or gender-neutral signage on the bathrooms, are great first steps to show your care and respect for those you work with.

Next, what do we know about providing care to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community with diabetes?

Studies have shown that those who are LGBTQ+ are subject to unique health disparities and worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts, which has clinical relevance in the delivery of diabetes care and education. Diabetes care and education specialists are in a pivotal position to advocate for this medically underserved and vulnerable population, to make sure they get the best possible care.

Lastly, JR wants to know how diabetes will affect their sexual health.

At this juncture, we may provide a general overview of how elevated blood sugars can affect blood vessel health and cause nerve damage, that may impact their sexual function over time (such as difficulty feeling pleasure or achieving an orgasm). Then we might ask if they have any particular questions. Our willingness to explore this sensitive topic free of judgment will be very meaningful. And, it’s okay if this feels new and uncomfortable.

“We all have our own personal experiences and internalized biases which impact the care we deliver. Our job is to practice cultural humility by checking in with our biases so they do not interfere with helping someone find a path to thriving with diabetes. It can feel uncomfortable at first, but as we take the time to expand our knowledge about others, it will feel more comfortable” 

And just know, it takes time to get up to speed. I’d encourage readers to check out the ADCES handout below and watch this funny video clip that a colleague sent me, “What “The Sex Talk” Looks Like Now, by Alternatino. This video made me crack up and appreciate the nuance of all the terms. Thanks so much, for your willingness to consider this topic. I truly hope you find it helpful in improving in delivery of care.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 4.82% chose this answer, “That is a complicated question that is best discussed with your provider.” Even though sexual health may not be our area of expertise, we can certainly provide a general answer and explore their particular questions. Of course, if a question is beyond our knowledge, referring back to the provider would be best.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 3.01% of you chose this answer, “Here is a pamphlet on LGBTQ+ issues and sexuality that explains the most frequently asked questions.” This is not the best answer, because it doesn’t address the question the person is asking. JR wants to know how diabetes can affect their sexual health, not the relationship between LGBTQ+ and sexuality.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 18.52% of respondents chose this answer, “According to the data, there is a higher rate of erectile dysfunction in people living with diabetes.” It is true that up to 50% of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction. However, we are not sure of JR’s sex assigned at birth, so this answer may not apply to JR. Instead, we could provide a general overview of how elevated blood sugars can affect blood vessel health and cause nerve damage, that may impact their sexual function over time (such as difficulty feeling pleasure or achieving an orgasm).

Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 73.64% chose this answer, “There is a relationship between elevated blood sugars and sexual health.” YES. This is the BEST answer. And, we might then ask if they have any particular questions.

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 important learning activity!

Resources for Inclusive Care

ADCES Inclusive Care for LGBTQ+ People with Diabetes Handout – this handout provides definitions, terms to avoid, and a cultural competency checklist to help you move towards improving inclusivity within your practice.

All Gender Restroom Sign PDF

A Guide To Gender Identity Terms by NPR – A glossary for gender identity terms to use more inclusive language.

Diabetes Prevention and Management for LGBTQ+ People Handout – this handout includes research of diabetes within the LGBTQ+ community, along with clinical considerations, programs, and resources for diabetes educators to use within their practice.

Policies on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ+) issues – this resource by the American Medical Association lists all the current healthcare policies in place for the LGBTQ+ community.

Helio’s LGBTQ+ Health Updates Resource Center – this is a “collection of news articles and features that provide the latest information on the unique health needs of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.”

Want to learn more about this topic?

Enroll in our Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs

Annual Update Airs Live on December 21st at 11:30 am PST

This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.

Enroll now for 1.5 CEs | $29

Objectives:

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

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

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.

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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.

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