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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.
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES
We are thrilled to welcome our newest speaker, Diana Isaacs, who will be joining our Virtual and Live Courses!
Dr. Isaacs was named 2020 AADE Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. Dr. Isaacs was awarded the Ohio Pharmacists Association Under 40 Award in 2019. Dr. Isaacs has served in leadership roles for several pharmacies and diabetes organizations. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects with a focus on medications, CGM and diabetes technology.
As the CGM Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research experience to this program.
Read interview with Dr. Isaacs here!
Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES
Ashley is an educator, dietitian, and Diabetes Education Program Coordinator at the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic’s Diabetes & Endocrine Center. Her work with people living with diabetes focuses on the value of healthy nutrition and movement to improve well-being.
Ashley is passionate about providing person-centered education to empower those who live with diabetes. Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes herself nearly 20 years ago, she combines her professional knowledge with personal experience and understanding.
Read interview with Ms. LaBrier here!
April 13 with Coach Beverly and Dr. Diana Isaacs
8:00—12:00 pm | BREAK | 1:00— 4:30 pm PST
Topics Include:
April 14 with Coach Beverly and Dr. Diana Isaacs
8:00—12:00 pm | BREAK | 1:00— 4:30 pm PST
April 15 with Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES
8:00 am—Noon
*Dates and times subject to change
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.
Airs live on November 9th at 11:30 am PST
This seventy-five-minute complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, bathing, the environment, and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. Join us!
New content and exciting research findings!
Join the wonderment as we explore the role of our Microbiome.
2021 Webinar Topics
This webinar is free and you can view at any time, on any device. If you want to earn CEs, you can purchase this course on our online university below.
Presented By: Gutsy Bev and the Microbials Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.
Feedback from a recent participant: “This Webinar New Horizon is filled with Bev’s energy, knowledge, and passion for diabetes that she replicates in all her teachings. She puts a demand on herself to be a mentor to all. Her information is well organized, full of current/relevant research, and helps CDCES’ * view into future as a changing world impacts diabetics. I find her to be the most exciting and engaging educator and … OUTSTANDING teacher!!” This webcast is completely free because we love sharing exciting information with our community! However, if you would like CEs you can purchase the individual course or as part of a series.
Did you miss the live conference? No worries!
You can register now to watch on-demand
Click here to learn more and get started!
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.
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:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Recorded & Ready for Viewing! | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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″]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.
Are you preparing for the CDCES Exam?
Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES? We recommend watching our FREE Preparing for CDCES Exam Webinar!
This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.
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 
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.” 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.
Join us live on November 11th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for our Virtual Conference: Diabetes in the 21st Century | 6.5 CEs
This conference offers comprehensive presentations on care of a person with diabetes examining a variety of evidence-based topics to aid in the care of a person with diabetes.
Click here to download the program flyer.
Location: Virtual
Fees: No charge for Meritus Health Employees. $50.00 for Non-Meritus Health Participants Meritus Health Employees: Please register via Healthstream, using keyword search “21st Century” or by clicking here.
Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel, please notify Ruth Leizear by phone at 301-790-8619 or toll free at 888-803-1518.
Check-in: Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m., please log in 15 minutes prior to the first presentation
Accreditation:
Click here to download the program flyer.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
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″]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.
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.
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:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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″]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.
Want to learn more about Pregnancy & Diabetes? Join us live for our
People living with diabetes who are pregnant are confronted with a variety of issues that require special attention, education, and understanding.
This course reviews those special needs while focusing on Gestational Diabetes and Pre-Existing Diabetes. Included are the most recent diagnostic criteria, management goals, and prevention of complications during pregnancy. A helpful review for the CDCES Exam and for those who want more information on people who are pregnant and live with Diabetes.
Topics include:
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
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″]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.
June is Pride Month and in honor of providing best care for our LGBTQ+ community, we are highlighting an expert interview, with my dear friend and colleague, Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDCES.
Theresa is a trailblazer and advocate in the field and she reminds us that whether we provide services in the hospital, clinic, or outpatient settings, we can take steps to help all people we serve feel welcome and included. We know that many people from the LGBTQ+ community with prediabetes or diabetes may delay seeking medical care to avoid the pain of social stigma often experienced in medical settings.
“Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community have 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 help this medically-underserved and vulnerable population get the best possible care.” – ADCES
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.
For more information on this topic, we turn to our expert for insights and resources.
I heard a researcher at a national conference go on and on about needing to screen the daughters of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) for diabetes since there is a strong link between PCOS and type 2. She never discussed the population of women that have the highest rates of PCOS – lesbians (38% of lesbians have PCOS vs. 14% of heterosexual women1). So I went up to the mic and asked her if she was aware of Agrawal’s work showing lesbians have the highest rate of PCOS. I was flabbergasted when she said yes. I responded she might want to include that most vulnerable population in her talk as we need to screen all women at risk.
It got me thinking about how could a well-known professor at a national diabetes conference willingly withhold data about an under-served population? So, I began to comb through the existing research that impacts the LGBTQ community with regards to diabetes care and prevention. And I was astonished what I found. So, I wrote the article and was so glad the ADA published it. But why wasn’t this part of the conversation back then? Even now? And I still ask, why won’t ADA reply to my inquiries to include this special population within their Standards of Care?
Actually take steps to include this special population. I think there are several opportunities to do this, starting with making sure their environment gives clues that it is a safe place for the LGBTQ community to seek care. Remember, this community is used to outright hostility from within the healthcare system and are often reluctant to self-disclose out of fear for getting substandard care. I once worked with a man with type 1 diabetes who was gay tell me that his endocrinologist told him he deserved every low he got, and that when he’d go to the emergency department, they refused for his husband to be by his side And that happened in the gay mecca of San Francisco! Imagine other “less tolerant” places.
If they see you don’t have a clue because you have old forms with old terms, they most likely won’t come out. And if they don’t come out, then you don’t have all the data to make an individualized plan. So, you can check your assessment forms to see if you use inclusive terms. Do you actually ask for LGBTQ status by asking for sexual orientation, gender identification and relationship status (not marital status)? And collect the aggregate data! Just because it’s not measured doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Do you have clues in your waiting room that it’s safe and friendly for this group (like post a little rainbow flag)? Do you include LGBTQ risk factors for health outcomes in your materials? Do you tell people you are here to help everyone, no matter their situation or who they’re with? I realize change is slow, but collectively as individuals, and nationally, we can make it a better place for this underserved population.
Because if you don’t even know a certain segment of those you care for have unique risk factors, and arguably worse – you have no clue who that vulnerable population is in your practice – you aren’t doing all you can to provide quality care to all you serve. It’s estimated that the number of LGBTQ individuals with diabetes equals that of the amount of people with type 1, so it’s not a small number we’re talking about. As an example, let’s apply this to Social Determinants of Health. We talk about the research showing how your zip code has more to do with your health than your DNA, particularly as it relates to food insecurity. But did you know LGBTQ individuals and families have the highest rates of food insecurity? Why isn’t that research included in diabetes mainstream publications and conferences?
According to research presented by the Williams Institute2, more than 1 in 4 LGBTQ adults (27%), approximately 2.2 million people, experienced a time in the last year when they did not have enough money to feed themselves or their families, compared to 17% of non-LGBTQ adults.
And when you add racial/ethnic sub-populations within the LGBTQ community, the stats are staggering:
Thank you! I am so excited to see our national organization pay attention to the LGBTQ population and help get the word out about what we can do. I think because they are interested in us being the best diabetes care and education specialist that we can and including everyone is part of that. I had also just spoken at the AADE conference in Houston. We had a panel of professionals and researchers that represented the LGBTQ community. (I had spoken previously at AADE, but that was just by myself and this last time was so special.) I’m truly impressed with how much research that has transpired in these 10 years.
I’d say that a willingness to learn is so important. As is recognizing one’s personal biases. We certainly don’t agree with the lifestyles of all we serve, but it is not our role to judge or let those biases interfere with helping someone find a path to thriving with diabetes. And just know, it takes time to get up to speed. I’d encourage readers to check out the ADCES handout and watch this funny video clip that a colleague sent me. Honestly, it is hard to keep up with the terms, even for someone like me who helped to get this topic on the diabetes radar. This video made me crack up and appreciate the nuance of all the terms. I bet your audience would like it too. You can check out the “What “The Sex Talk” Looks Like Now, by Alternatino. Thanks so much, Beverly, for your willingness to discuss the topic. I truly hope it helps your readers improve their care delivery.
Ms. Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDCES trail-blazed several innovations in the field of diabetes in the years that followed being awarded the national Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (2004).
Her latest efforts involve trying to reach people with prediabetes and type 2 who are currently not being reached with our face-to-face programs. How? She created the Sweet People Club an all online program which uses a flipped classroom concept so people can follow the Diabetes Prevention Program and also manage type 2 through a series of professionally-made videos (ahem, nearly 150 of them!) that they can watch at a time that is convenient for them, then ask questions through the portal, as well as meet virtually face-to-face real time with a Registered Dietitian twice a month.
If you’d like access to experience what the program is like, she is sharing her work and invites your feedback. Visit https://www.sweetpeopleclub.com/pro/ or email her for questions at [email protected]
List of Resources
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.”
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″]Wow! This is fantastic news. I sit for the CBCDE Exam for the 7th time next year, and I am definitely going to take advantage of this remote feature! ~ Coach Beverly
The Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE) is now offering the opportunity to take your Certified Diabetes Educator (CDCES) exam remotely!
By the end of this year, you will have the option to take your certification exam using their new Live Remote Online Proctoring (LRP) platform.
LRP is a secure and non-invasive platform that uses professional proctors and technology to monitor candidates live while they complete the Certification Examination for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (Exam). This method of test delivery allows the candidate to take the exam from their home, office or a remote site, using their own computer. The process is secure, easily accessible, and monitors testing activity and records all aspects of the exam testing session.
During your exam appointment, you will be connected with a moderator who will guide you through the process and be there throughout your entire exam. You will need to share your screen and broadcast yourself during your entire exam. Your workspace should be quiet, tidy, and free of any study notes/materials.
No electronics, besides the computer you are taking the test on are allowed. However, since there may be math questions, a basic calculator is allowed after clearance by the moderator. A 10-minute break is an option, but no changes to completed test questions are allowed after the break. In addition, the moderator will need to rescan your workspace to make sure it is free of study notes and materials. After you take the exam, you will instantly get a report of your results.
To connect to the LRP platform, you will need a computer with a webcam and microphone. The CBDCE recommends that you run compatibility tests before your exam to ensure your equipment is compatible.
To learn more about LRP, watch the 4-minute video below and read the Guide to Live Remote Online Proctoring (LRP)
Join us to get ready to succeed a the CDCES Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.
Topics covered include:
We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Intended Audience: This FREE webinar is 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 achieving excellence in diabetes care and becoming Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists®.
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
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″]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.
In preparation for my updating my class “Basal Bolus Therapy in the Hospital Setting“, a quick google search on the latest trends in hospital and diabetes care highlighted this just-published article to my immediate attention.
Management of diabetes and hyperglycemia in the hospital – Lancet 2021: 9 174-288 published in March 2021, provides evidence-based information and easy-to-use algorithms on managing hyperglycemia in the inpatient setting. It also addresses the use of CGM and insulin pumps in hospitals.
For this blog, I want to discuss some changes in approaches to hospital management, that I think is long overdue!
Take a look at the algorithm below and see if you agree with my takeaways below.
As a hospital-based diabetes nurse for a few decades, I have watched the evolution of inpatient diabetes management. With this new article, it feels like we have reached a more thoughtful middle ground, based on evidence and clinical experience.
Certainly, the insulin sliding scale alone is not effective to manage glucose levels. But this nuanced approach of considering orals with low dose basal insulin for those at risk of hypoglycemia and using basal/bolus for those who are more insulin resistant makes good sense to me.
What do you think?
I have more takeaways to share! Join Coach Beverly for her Basal Bolus Therapy in the Hospital Setting Webinar on May 6th at 11:30. And don’t worry if you can’t join us live, you will have access to the recorded version for a year after purchase.
Why are glucose levels elevated in the morning? When should insulin be started? What is the next step to get A1c to target?
During this 60-minute course Coach Beverly addresses each of these glucose mysteries and more, using a person-centered approach. She describes a stepwise approach to evaluate glucose patterns and correct common issues encountered by people living with type 2 diabetes.
By attending this webinar, you will gain confidence in evaluating glucose patterns and making recommendations for improvement.
Objectives
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″]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.