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
- Rationale of the Week | What happens when people stop taking GLP /GIPs?
- Breaking Free from Weight-Centric Diabetes Care: What I Wish I Had Known Sooner
- Question of the Week | Based on ADA Standards, what is next med addition?
- Rationale of the Week | 2025 ADA Standards: Key Nutrition Behaviors for Individuals with Diabetes
- Question of the Week | What happens when people stop taking GLP /GIPs?
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.
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.
15% Off Sale, Scholarships & Free Webinar
Our Spreading the Love Sale Begins Today!
Our annual Valentine’s sale is our way of thanking you, our dedicated community of diabetes health care professionals and advocates, for your service and love.
To celebrate, we are spreading the love with a 15% discount off
ALL Online Courses & Virtual Conference from Feb 10-17, 2023. Use code LOVE15 at checkout.
Want to learn more about Diabetes Care?
Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference
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.
Group discounts are available!*
Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule
“Not just a course – it’s an experience”
FREE Webinar – Preparing for 2023 BC-ADM Exam
Join Coach Beverly Feb. 20th @ 11:30 am PST
Join us to get ready to succeed at the 2023 BC-ADM Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness. Topics covered include:
- exam eligibility and test format,
- strategies to succeed
- study tips and test-taking tactics
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 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.
New Cheat Sheets Reflect 2022 ADA Standards
The 2022 ADA Standards of Care (SOC), have some exciting new updates that impact our clinical practice. We have updated our cheat sheets for your clinical practice and in preparation for certification exam success.
Screen for diabetes at 35 years
Given the increasing incidence of prediabetes and diabetes in younger populations, the ADA has adjusted their screening threshold. The old guidelines suggest screening everyone starting at age 45.
The new recommendations state that everyone aged 35 or older needs to have their blood glucose level evaluated to find undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes.
Testing methods for prediabetes or diabetes can include:
- A1c
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) or
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
By testing for elevated glucose levels at this younger age bracket, health care professionals can provide early intervention to slow progression from prediabetes to diabetes and provide immediate care to those with newly discovered diabetes.
Screen if receiving treatment for HIV also added
In addition to lowering the screening age, the ADA suggests evaluating glucose levels for people with HIV who are started on antiretroviral therapy with ongoing glucose screening during therapy. Antiretroviral therapy can damage beta cells leading to hyperglycemia. To prevent complications, early detection and treatment is important for these higher risk individuals.
Screen for anyone with elevated BMI regardless of age
The guidelines still recommend testing adults of any age with BMI of 25 or more or BMI of 23 or more in Asian Americans with one or more additional risk factors. See cheat sheet below for more details.
In addition, all newly pregnant individuals at risk of diabetes (using the same risk criteria as listed below) need glucose testing. However, the ADA suggests universal screening for all individuals early in pregnancy to identify those with undiscovered hyperglycemia or diabetes, so treatment can be initiated to protect fetal and maternal health.
This is an exciting start to 2022. Finding people with elevated blood sugars at a younger age promises to help decrease risk of diabetes complications and improve outcomes along with quality of life.
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.
2022 Live Webinar Updates
- January 11, 2022 – Class 1 – Getting to the Nitty Gritty 1.5 CEs
- January 13, 2022 – Class 2 – Nutrition and Exercise 1.5 CEs
- January 18, 2022 – Class 3 – Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
- January 20, 2022 – Class 4 – Meds Overview for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- January 25, 2022 – Class 5 – Goals of Care – 1.5 CEs
- January 27, 2022 – Class 6 – Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Monitoring, Foot Care 1.5 CEs
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
CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle Levels 1, 2, & 3 + Toolkits | 47 CEs
Beverly has custom designed this deluxe course bundle to prepare you for your CDCES (formerly known as CDE) or BC-ADM Exam.
This Deluxe Prep Bundle includes:
- Level 1 – Diabetes Fundamentals
- Level 2 – Standards of Care
- Level 3 – Boot Camp
- Test Taking Toolkit – over 220 practice questions!
- Technology Toolkit – Insulin pumps, sensors, and calculations, oh my!
- Bonus Course: Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter
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.
CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me? | FREE Webinar on March 8th
Are you considering pursuing certification in diabetes care, but are not sure which certification is right for you and how to get started?
Join Coach Beverly for this FREE Webinar on March 8th at 11:30 am PST to explore which certification best suits your professional and personal goals.
Coach Beverly is excited to share her insights on determining the best certification choice and the pathway to success. She will share her personal journey on achieving both her CDCES and BC-ADM over 20 years ago and how these credentials have impacted her opportunities as a diabetes specialist and president of her own company. We hope you can join us!
Webinar Topics
- Discuss the similarities and differences between the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials
- CDCES or certified diabetes care and education specialist
- BC-ADM or board certification in advanced diabetes management
- List the academic and experiential qualifications to take both exams
- Explore which certification best match your personal and professional goals
- Describe the steps to study and prepare for exam success for both certifications
We hope you can join this FREE live webinar. Coach Beverly will stay after class for a live Question and Answer Session.
Can’t make it live? No worries, once you register for this course, you will receive a link to the recorded version within hours of the broadcast.
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.
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