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Attention Diabetes Healthcare Professionals: Our Diabetes Cheat Sheet Resource Page Is Updated for 2026!
If you’re a busy diabetes healthcare professional, you want tools that help you deliver excellent, evidence-based care—without spending hours digging for information. That’s exactly why we created our Diabetes Cheat Sheet Resource Page, and we’re excited to share that it’s been updated with new additions for 2026.
You can download these free clinical and teaching cheat sheets directly from our website or through the CDCES Coach App. To make your life easier, we’ve reorganized everything by category and alphabetically, so you can quickly find exactly what you need—right when you need it.
Clinical Cheat Sheets: Evidence at Your Fingertips
The first section focuses on concise, evidence-based clinical summaries drawn from the American Diabetes Association Standards of Care and current research. These resources are ideal for:
- Day-to-day clinical decision-making
- Teaching colleagues and learners
- Preparing for certification exams
Some of our most popular Clinical Cheat Sheets include:
- Indications for GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists for diabetes, weight management, and cardiovascular disease
- Lipid & Hypertension Medications Cheat Sheet
- Neuropathy Treatment in Diabetes
- Screening and Diagnostic Criteria for diabetes
Patient Education Resources You Can Share with Confidence
The next section includes ready-to-use handouts designed for people living with diabetes. Many are available in both English and Spanish, and several allow you to add your own logo or tailor the content to better serve your population.
A highlight of this section is the new “Keeping Healthy with Diabetes” sheets. These were personally created by Coach Beverly as teaching tools for community classes and for the people she serves in a rural health clinic. They clearly summarize:
- What a diabetes diagnosis means
- Key goals of diabetes care
- Practical, easy-to-understand health messages
Perfect for printing, sharing, and using in real-world conversations.
Technology, Nutrition, Apps & Carb Counting Support
You’ll also find dedicated sections on:
- Diabetes technology (including tools to evaluate accuracy)
- Nutrition resources
- Helpful diabetes apps
- Carbohydrate counting tools, which are especially valuable for those preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM certification
Whether you’re caring for people with diabetes, teaching others, or preparing for an exam, these updated resources are designed to save you time, reduce overwhelm, and support best-in-class care.
Love Cheat Sheets? You can Access on New CDCES Coach App!
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care Complete Review
Join us live on January 29th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST!
NEW CDCES Coach App
Download for FREE on the Google Play Store or Apple Store!
Meds PocketCard Refresh for 2026!
Fresh updates. Clear comparisons. Even more clinical confidence.
You are going to love the latest updates to our Medication PocketCards—designed to help you make quick, informed decisions at the point of care.
GLP-1 & GIP Medications: Now Easier to Compare Than Ever
Our GLP-1 & GIP Meds PocketCard now includes two distinct versions—one for diabetes and one for weight management—so you can compare therapies at a glance.
Each version clearly outlines:
- Approved indications
- Medication action
- Efficacy
- Common side effects
This side-by-side approach makes it easier to individualize treatment decisions based on a person’s health profile, age, and comorbidities.
Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss—Now Included
Big news in the GLP-1 world! Semaglutide is now available as an oral formulation for weight loss, and we’ve added it to the PocketCard.
- Rybelsus® remains the oral option approved for diabetes
- Oral semaglutide for weight loss is FDA-approved and included on the updated card
- Both formulations are approved to reduce cardiovascular risk
Just like Rybelsus, oral semaglutide for weight loss:
- Must be taken on an empty stomach
- With a small sip of water
- At least 30 minutes before food, beverages, or other medications
Good-Bye to Exenatide XR
It’s the end of an era. Exenatide XR (Bydureon®, Bcise®) has been discontinued.
The only remaining option is generic exenatide, administered twice daily—still available and noted on the updated PocketCard.
TZDs: A Farewell and a Comeback
We say goodbye to rosiglitazone and welcome a renewed appreciation for pioglitazone (Actos®).
Pioglitazone:
- Improves insulin resistance
- Lowers free fatty acids
- Is now indicated for hepatic steatosis or for individuals who have experienced a stroke.
Research led by Dr. Ralph DeFronzo demonstrates that pioglitazone can shift fat from visceral to subcutaneous depots, improving metabolic health and liver outcomes.
Clinical pearls included on the card:
- Start low (15 mg) and titrate slowly
- Monitor for fluid retention and weight gain
- Check ankles and assess heart failure risk
- Avoid in individuals with CHF or high fracture risk
Importantly, pioglitazone is also indicated for people with prediabetes or diabetes who have experienced a stroke, as it significantly reduces the risk of recurrent stroke.
DPP-4 Inhibitors: A Smaller Role
DPP-4 inhibitors continue to decline in use due to lower efficacy and higher cost, and both alogliptin and saxagliptin carry an increased risk of hospitalization for heart-failure .
That said, generic saxagliptin is once again available, so we’ve added it back to the PocketCard in the DPP-4 category—clearly labeled to support informed prescribing.
Give Feedback - Get FREE PocketCard 💜 We Want to Hear From You
- What do you think of the 2026 PocketCard updates?
- How do these cards support your clinical decision-making?
Please Share your thoughts and observations with us! Get a FREE PocketCard in the mail.
Your feedback helps us keep these tools practical, relevant, and clinician-approved.
Learn More About Meds With Upcoming Courses
ADA Standards of Care Complete Review
Join us live on January 29th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST!
New CDCES Coach App – Download Yours Today!
The CDCES Coach app equips you with certification exam study tools and clinical resources- right at your fingertips!
Download Your NEW & Improved CDCES Coach App Today!
✨ Fresh new design with easier navigation.
- Forums to connect with your peers
- Instant access to blogs and news
- Quizzes with rationale
🧠 One-click access to go-tools tools, including:
- Medication PocketCards
- Cheat Sheets
- ADA Standards of Care
- Free Webinars
- Study materials
📱 Works on all devices:
- mobile, tablet, and desktop-friendly
✨ New Practice Tests for In-app Purchase ✨
25 Test Questions with Rationale – Only $9.99!
You have been asking for it, and are please to announce that we have delivered.
Challenge yourself with one or both sets of 25 Practice Test questions written by the experts. Each set of test questions includes a detailed rationale. Prepare yourself for exam success.
To take advantage of all these enhanced features, sign up for the new CDCES Coach App today!
Download NEW CDCES Coach App Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I log in to the Online University through the app?
- Your password for the app and Online University are separate logins. Most people use the same email and password for both, but they are not connected so you will log in to each one separately.
- If this is your first time using the Online University, be sure to set up your password. You should have received an email when registering for instructions to set it up. Contact us at [email protected] if you need help setting up your Online University password.
Will my registration for the old app automatically?
- No. You will need to create a new account on the new app to activate all the fantastic features.
Do I have to download the new CDCES Coach app to have access to all the free resources and Question of the Week?
- Yes, the old app is now unavailable.
What are some of the new features of this CDCES Coach App Version?
- Interactive forums where healthcare professionals can directly dialogue with their community.
- In-app purchase of sample test questions with rationale.
- Easy access to Question of the Week, PocketCards, Cheat Sheets blogs, news and much more.
Do I have to pay for this new CDCES Coach App?
- No, it is still FREE to download and access all the helpful clinical resources.
Clinical Resources and Study Tools:
We developed this app with the belief that healthcare professionals deserve access to vital resources that enhance clinical care. Users can conveniently access a variety of study tools and clinical resources while on the move!
Created by Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES, this app serves as a vital resource for novice to seasoned diabetes healthcare professionals!
Studying For Your Certification?
Our new app is like having a coach in your pocket!
Worksite Training & Discounts
We know that studying can be overwhelming. We encourage you to create a study group with your colleagues so you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Teamwork makes the dream work! For groups of 3 people or more, we offer 20% group discounts on our certification Boot Camps and Training Programs.
Even better, our CE credits count toward the CDCES exam and CDCES / BC-ADM renewal. With our newly expanded accreditation, our CE credits will also apply towards your license renewals if you are a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or dietitian.
Welcome to our community. We are so glad you are here!
Cheat Sheet Updates – Reflect 2025 ADA Standards
At the beginning of each year, Coach Beverly excitedly scans the new ADA Standards to discover updates and advances in diabetes care. She then integrates these new findings into our Cheat Sheets.
Notable updates include our at-a-glance Screening and Diagnosis of Diabetes, Immunization Schedule, Insulin Storage and Dispensing Information and our Lipids and Hypertension Medication Summary Sheet and more.
You can access the complete Cheat Sheet Library on our website and on our CDCES Coach App. We are proud of our 25-year history of creating original materials that to meet the rigorous standards set by the CDR Accreditation Committee and hope you find them useful in your clinical practice and in your preparation for certification exams.
Cheat Sheet Updates based on 2025 Standards
ADA Standards of Care 2, Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes includes additional details on screening for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy. The diagnostic testing methods and criteria remained the same as in past years. However, the ADA notes that there is lower sensitivity of A1C at the designated cut point compared with that of 2-h PG as well as limited access in some parts of the world.
1.) Screen those at risk for presymptomatic type 1 diabetes and those with type 1 phenotypic risk (younger age, ketoacidosis, etc.) by testing autoantibodies to insulin, GAD, islet antigen 2, ZnT8
2.) For Type 2 diabetes, screen everyone starting at age 35, but screen people with prediabetes yearly and those with GDM every 1-3 years.
3.) Additional risk factors for earlier screening were added and a few were modified from last year. See new additions in bold. The ADA added monitoring for hyperglycemia in those taking high-risk medicines (steroids, HIV meds, antipsychotic meds, statins, thiazide diuretics ) or a history of pancreatitis or periodontal disease and re-checking glucose levels at least annually or if any signs of hyperglycemia.
4.) In the diabetes and pregnancy section, the ADA still strongly recommends screening all people at the first prenatal visit (before 15 weeks) to help detect undiscovered hyperglycemia and initiate early treatment.
The update for this Insulin Storage and Dispensing sheet is inspired by Tyler Whitaker, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES. Tyler reached out to let us know about needed additions, updates and changes to this content. He said he uses this information all the time in his clinical practice and he was happy to give back. I want to thank Tyler for helping us improve this resource and for his thoughtful review of earlier drafts and this final version. I appreciate being a part of this wonderful community of educators who are invested in supporting each other to succeed.
Updates to this Cheat Sheet include approval for Lyumjev in insulin pumps, removal of detemir insulin and clarification of the the 70/30 insulins’ shelf life, packaging and cost information.
This chart, compiled based on ADA Standard 4, details the types of vaccines, when, and how often they are recommended for people with diabetes. The recommendations in general were very similar to last year. The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are suggested starting at six months of age.
This standard emphasized reminding people with diabetes to avoid the live attenuated influenza vaccine and it included additional clarification on the pneumonia vaccines. For a comprehensive list of vaccines, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at cdc.gov/vaccines/.
For the content included in these 5 pages, our resident expert pharmacist updated dosing ranges, considerations and added newer lipid lowering and blood pressure medications to this comprehensive list. A special shout out to our expert and my husband, Kristapor Thomassian, PharmD, BCPS, for his hours of review, edits and content negotiations with the company CEO and wife of 26 years.
If you are preparing for the CDCES exam, you will need to be familiar with the most common blood pressure and cholesterol medication classes and side effects along with when they are indicated based on the ADA Standards. For the BC-ADM exam, you will need to know the same information but in more detail, imagining you would be familiar enough with these medications to prescribe them or make need adjustments and additions.
We hope you will stop by our complete Cheat Sheet Library!!
ADA Standards of Care 2025 Webinar Update
Join us live on Jan. 30th @ 11:30am PST
Our Level 2 Courses make learning the ADA Standards of Care easy and effective by breaking them down into bite-sized, essential topics for clinical practice and exam prep. You can follow the course order based on the Standards, or choose your own path, starting with what you know least and building from there.
This course is perfect for healthcare professionals looking to master the ADA Standards for better clinical practice or for those preparing for the BC-ADM or CDCES exams.
Each webinar focuses on key content, helping you make the most of your study time. Our instructor also uses polls to highlight important concepts, so you can test your knowledge and pick up the best exam strategies.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Recent Blog Bytes
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Get Ready – How to Prepare for Natural Disasters
As we enter fire and storm season, it’s always a good idea to think ahead and be prepared for disaster. For people living with diabetes, a “diabetes kit” is an important part of emergency preparedness. We are excited to share a few getting ready checklists and resources that we think are really helpful.
For any emergency scenario, it’s important to have an emergency preparedness plan that includes a meeting point, an exit route, a “get-away” bag, and communication strategies. Identify and inform the people who will be included in the emergency plan ahead of time and make sure everyone clearly knows what to do and what action to take.
An easy way to get started is to download the Checklist and Plan created by the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition. We have also created a Disaster Checklist Word document that you can download and customize for yourselves. These checklists can help you start the conversation and commit the details to paper.
Disaster can happen in a moments notice. It’s important to plan ahead and be ready, especially for people living with diabetes.
Here are a few helpful resources for ourselves and our community:
Resources for People with Diabetes
General information from the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DDRC) on preparedness for people living with diabetes.
Have an Emergency Diabetes Plan and Kit Ready: DDRC’s Diabetes Plan and Kit checklist includes helpful steps to take in preparation for disaster. The checklist details needed supplies and information that should be written down and kept in a waterproof container for emergency situations where is can be found by a health care provider to make informed emergency treatment decisions.
Stay Updated: Visit Breakthrough Type 1 Disaster Relief Resources and Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition includes information on how to access medical support, shelters, and open pharmacies during times of disaster.
Individuals with diabetes who need help: Call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). The American Diabetes Association Center For Information is open, MON.-FRI. 9 a.m. TO 7 p.m. ET. Representatives are regularly updated with information on how to access medical support, shelters, pharmacies, and more.
American Red Cross Shelters: Contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Resource For Health Care Providers:
- Insulin Supply Hotline: During a disaster, call the emergency diabetes supply hotline 314-INSULIN (314-467-8546) if you know of diabetes supply shortages in your community (i.e. shelter, community center). The hotline is for health care providers only.
- Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DRRC). If a disaster hits, people with diabetes may need emergency supplies and help fast. Please visit the DRRC website if you are a diabetes health care provider and are requesting information about diabetes supplies during disasters.
In addition to the items listed below, make sure to pack hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks due to the current pandemic. Also, bring your own pillow and bedding in case you need to spend time in a shelter.
Download, Share, and Personalize this Emergency Checklist
Emergency Evacuation-Items to Gather for People with Diabetes
We thought this list was a helpful way to prioritize what items to grab given different time frame limitations. We found it online and customized it for people with diabetes. It is available in Word or PDF. Thank you for sharing with your colleagues and community.
- Emergency List that you can Customize in a Word Doc
- Emergency List as a PDF to print out
- Emergency List that you can Customize in a Word Doc
- Emergency List as a PDF to print out
1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) is an excellent referral resource for people with diabetes to call toll-free for updates on accessing medical support during an emergency.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Free Resources & Handouts | Find that perfect teaching handout, for FREE
Looking for that perfect free diabetes education handout? We are excited to share our collection of fantastic websites that provide you with easy access to hundreds of educational tools in a variety of languages. In addition, we have included links to some of our favorite teaching materials that you can download today. Please let us know if you have any websites that we can add to our list, enjoy!
Websites that offer FREE handouts for diabetes education
- ADA Diabetes Education Library Offers over 170 topics on diabetes that are searchable by topic and language. A treasure trove of educational info.
- CDC Diabetes Prevention Program Curricula and Handouts This site offers excellent resources for those interested in offering Diabetes Prevention Education.
- Diabetes Healthsense is an online library of resources compiled by the National Diabetes Education Program.
- A Guide to Drinking for People with Diabetes- Helpful resource that provides information on alcohol and diabetes.
Download Now:
- All about Blood Glucose Levels – It can be difficult for patients to learn all the important points of blood glucose control in a short office visit. Download this free patient handout, in English or Spanish, to help your patients self-manage their blood glucose levels long after their appointment.
- Medicare and You – A comprehensive summary outlining what services and supplies Medicare covers for beneficiaries.
- AACE Passport Wallet Card PDF » A tool that helps patients track if they are meeting AACE care goals from head to toes.
- Flu Vaccine and Diabetes » This printable document provides the patients with the rationale and importance of getting an annual flu vaccine.
- Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Education Teaching Sheet » This handout is one of my favorites. Cartoon characters depict the signs and symptoms of low and high blood sugars and then detail steps to take.
- Medication Wallet Card PDF » pocket sized document that includes contact info, list of medications and critical health data.
- Medication Wallet Card in WORD » Add your program’s logo and provide your clients with a useful, customized document that includes contact info, list of medications and critical health data.
- 4 Steps to Control Your-Diabetes–English PDF » An excellent booklet for patients- 17 different languages and tons of great info.
- 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes–Spanish PDF » An excellent booklet for patients-17 different languages and tons of great info.
- Pneumonia Vaccine and Diabetes » This printable document provides the patients with the rationale and importance of getting a pneumonia vaccine.
For more diabetes education resources, please visit our entire Article Library.
FREE Cheat Sheets Updated for 2023
Our diabetes cheat sheet page is brimming full of useful information for your clinical practice and exam success.
We include a slew of FREE handouts that summarize important topics like; diagnostic criteria, blood pressure and lipid meds, immunization schedule plus patient education handouts, and more.
Updated by Coach Beverly to reflect the 2023 ADA Standards, we invite you to take a look around and enjoy these helpful resources.
Preparing for Diabetes Certification Exam? Enroll in our Level 3 – Boot Camp 2023 Updates
Level 3 | DiabetesEd Specialist Boot Camp | 12+ CEs
Can’t join all the sessions live? No problem. Your registration guarantees you access to the recorded lectures for a full year.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are studying for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) or the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the BC-ADM or the CDCES certification Exam.
2023 Webinar Updates
- February 7, 2023 – Class 1 – Diabetes – Not Just Hyperglycemia 1.75 CEs
- February 9, 2023 – Class 2 – Standards of Care & Cardiovascular Goals 1.8 CEs
- February 14, 2023 – Class 3 – Meds for Type 2 – What you need to know 1.5
- February 16, 2023 – Class 4 – Insulin Therapy – From Basal/Bolus to Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
- February 21, 2023 – Class 5 – Insulin Intensive – Monitoring, Sick Days, Lower
- February 23, 2023 – Class 6 – Exercise and Medical Nutrition Therapy 1.5 CEs
- February 28, 2023 – Class 7 – Screening, Prevention, and Treatment of Microvascular Complications
- March 2, 2023 – Class 8 – Coping and Behavior Change 1.5 CEs
- March 9, 2023 – Class 9 – Test-Taking Coach Session (48 Questions) No CE
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!
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.
How to Protect the Planet – Resources Page
There are so many amazing and dedicated people and organizations working to revitalize our planet. To make it easy to explore these opportunities, Bryanna and I put together this list with the hope that you find inspiration for action. Thank you.
Sustainable Eating
- Sustainable Eating article by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Food Dates Lead to Waste- Taste Before Tossing
- 5 tips for Sustainable Eating article by Harvard School of Public Health
- Sustainable Eating Resource Hub by Food Print
- Meatless Monday’s Campaign
- Produce from Purchase to Plate – Steps to Reduce Food Waste article by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Local Farmer’s Market Finder by Local Harvest
Gardening & Water Saving
- 20 Common Types of Native Plants to the US article by Audubon
- Native Plant Finder by National Wildlife Federation
- Native Plant Nursery Finder
- Water-Saving Tips by the US Environmental Protection Agency
Reduce Plastic Usage & Composting
- A Complete Guide To Alternatives For Plastic by EcoMastery Project
- Mushroom Packaging
- 19 Companies Who Are Ditching Plastic Packaging article by Food Tank
- Compostable Products Checker by Biodegradable Products Institute
- Find a Composter Near You
- Composting Tipsheet by USDA
Reduce Carbon Footprint
- Ecological Footprint Calculator by the Global Footprint Network
- Individual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator by the US Environmental Protection Agency
- Energy-Efficient Household Products Finder by Energy Star
- Cars Evaluated Against Climate Targets Graph by Carbon Counter
- Offset Flight Admissions Calculator by MyClimate
Sustainable Living
- Supporting a Healthy Planet podcast by the CDC
- Project Regeneration
DiabetesEd Free Resources
Please enjoy these FREE resources that we have put together for you:
- Diabetes Cheat Sheets
- Diabetes Blog Bytes
- Medication PocketCards
- 10 Steps to Succeed
- CDCES Coach App
- Free Webinars hosted by Coach Beverly
- Question of the Week
- Free Diabetes Article Library
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.
