We are excited to share our guest blog post by multicultural nutrition expert, Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDCES. In addition to creating an amazing 6-week series that provides participants with tools, including live cook-alongs, that highlight the foods and traditions from the six largest Hispanic subgroups in the U.S. Lorena is a great story teller, plus, she is offering a $30 discount for her program series which starts November 2nd. Thanks Lorena for your sense of humor and your determination to get this spicy conversation going!

All Hispanic people like spicy foods, right?

They looked at me and asked incredulously, “Aren’t you Latina?”

Yes, I am.

“Didn’t you grow up eating hot and spicy foods?”

No, I did not. I am Colombian.

“Don’t you eat hot foods in Colombia?”

No, we don’t. What we eat depends on the region in which you live. We have nine regions in Colombia, and I was raised in the Caribbean region. Therefore, the food that I tend to eat differs from the Pacific, Andean, Amazonian and other regions in the country.

We laughed over this, and a conversation about culture and food preferences ensued.

Join Lorena’s Webinar Series – Crack the Cultural Code. Starts Nov 2 – Save $30 with COACHBEV discount.

Many of us make assumptions about what our clients, including Hispanics, eat. What if you had a solid understanding of the food and culinary preferences of the six major Hispanic subgroups in the U.S.? You can! It’s time to Crack the Cultural Code!

The first—and only—training to address the food, nutrition and health of the 6 largest Hispanic subgroups in the U.S. kicks off November 2nd.

This 6-week program is for YOU; dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and for all those who provide counseling to the Hispanic population and are asked, “what can I eat now?” Join us if you wish to improve healthcare outcomes for the Hispanic clients you serve who are at risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes. This program will provide you with the tools to counsel clients from the six largest Hispanic subgroups in the U.S. Improve health outcomes. Learn the nuances, food preferences and culinary know-how to confidently counsel your Hispanic clients.

Cost: $179 dollars – COACHBEV discount for $149 dollars
(COACHBEV cannot be added to other discount codes).

Register now: “Breaking the Cultural Code: How to Counsel the Hispanic Population, Featuring the Cultures and Cuisines of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, El Salvador, and Guatemala” 12 CEUs available

Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES

Lorena specializes in the multicultural aspects of diabetes self-management education and is an expert in developing culturally and ethnically oriented nutrition and diabetes education materials. She founded, Hispanic Foodways which received the New York City Small Business Award in 2006. She developed the Nutriportion™ Measuring Cups that has the calorie and carbohydrate amounts of common foods embossed on each cup and the Nutriportion™ Hispanic Food Cards that have pictures and nutrition composition of common Hispanic foods. 

Lorena served on the American Association of Diabetes Educators board of directors from 2006-2010, Chair for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition. She was Past President of the Metropolitan New York Association of Diabetes Educators in 2004. Lorena won the Diabetic Living People’s Choice Award in 2012 and Latinos & Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition Trinko Award in 2016.

She is the author of the book Beyond Rice and Beans: The Caribbean Guide to Eating Well with Diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association. She is a contributing author and co-editor of the book Cultural Food Practices published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was print communications chair for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialty Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics from 2012-2015.

Read more here about Lorena and Cracking the Cultural Code

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For Free Resource Friday, we want to share our Free webinars with you!

Certification and FREE Webinars Include:

CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me? – Ready for Viewing

Read More: CDCES or BC-ADM

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Preparing for the CDCES Exam – Airs July 8th

Read More: CDCES Exam Prep

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Preparing for the BC-ADM Exam – Airs July 15th

Read More: BC-ADM Exam Prep

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Test Taking Practice Exam Sample Questions Toolkit – Ready for Viewing

Read More: Sample Exam Practice Questions

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What We Say Matters: Language that Respects the Individual and Imparts Hope – Airs May 18th

Read More: Language & Diabetes

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New Horizons – Getting to the Gut, Meet Your Microbiome – Airs November 9th

Read More: Getting to the Gut

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Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter Webinar – Ready for Viewing

Read More: Mindfulness & Compassion

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View All Diabetes Education Services Free Webinars here

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Email Address Sign Me Up!

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.

Studying for the BC-ADM exam?
Join Coach Bev for a FREE Webinar to get the info you need for success.

April 8, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  (PST)

Unsure about updates for this mastery level 2021 exam?

Join us to get ready to succeed at the BC-ADM Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test taking readiness.

Topics Covered Include:

This free webinar will review BC-ADM requirements for the current year.

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

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

See our Prep for BC-ADM Resource Page

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times and first earned her BC-ADM credential 20 years ago. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

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Studying for the BC-ADM?
Try one of our bundles!

BC-ADM Prep Bundle | Levels 2, 3, & 4 | 39+ CES

Beverly has custom designed this course bundle to prepare you for your BC-ADM Exam. Including Level 2 (Standards of Care Intensive), Level 3 (Boot Camp), and Level 4, you can start studying now with 29 On-Demand webinars and practice tests to build your diabetes education foundation and prepare for the BC-ADM Exam.

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Email Address Sign Me Up!

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.

Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES

We are thrilled that Diana Isaacs will be joining our Virtual Course on October 6-8, 2021!

Dr. Isaacs was named 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of technology, pumps, and CGM therapy for people with diabetes plus 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.

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diana Isaacs

Question: What do you love about being a Diabetes Specialist?
Dr. Isaacs: I have the opportunity to help people manage their diabetes through my expertise and support. I start many people with diabetes on CGM and I see first hand how life changing the technology is for them. People are very grateful for my help and it is so rewarding.

Question: Over the past year, what has been most challenging about providing diabetes care during the pandemic?
Dr. Isaacs: I miss doing the group classes and shared medical appointments but we’ve had to majorly scale back taking into consideration room size and safety. Also, many people are struggling with mental health during the pandemic and many are afraid to come to clinic. However, we have made great strides by increasing access through virtual care.

Question: What role do you see technology playing in people with diabetes lives over the next few years?
Dr. Isaacs: Technology is exploding. Virtual care is allowing us to reach way more people with diabetes and making it more convenient for everyone. Mobile apps and blue tooth technology are making it so the healthcare team can access a person’s diabetes data from anywhere (With their permission of course). There also continue to be huge improvements in insulin pump, continuous glucose meter, and smart insulin pen technology.

Question: What actions can Diabetes Specialists take to increase access to diabetes technologies including insulin pumps, CGMs and Smart Pens.
Dr. Isaacs: We need to stay up to date on all of the technology because it’s evolving so quickly. Some strategies to do this include attending professional meetings, meet with your sales reps, check out websites like diabeteswise.org and DANAtech (offered through ADCES). There are many continuing education opportunities offered through various organizations, including your website (www.diabetesed.net).

Also, if you get a chance to try a demo (Such as obtaining a sample of a smart pen, or CGM) and wearing it. That’s the best way to learn!. There are also various demo mobile apps that give the user experience. (Ex. T:Simulator for Tandem insulin pumps).

Question: Would you share your hobby (ies) and how you maintain work life balance?
Dr. Isaacs: I have 5 kids ages 2-9, so they keep me pretty busy. One day a week I completely disconnect from all electronics and just spend time with the family. I also enjoy running and run almost every morning before starting my day. With the pandemic I stopped going to the gym. I live in Cleveland and am proud to say I ran outside even when it was 3 degrees with lots of snow and ice on the ground.

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Dr. Diana Isaacs will be speaking at our upcoming
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course
Join us live on October 6-8, 2021

Come join our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program!

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:

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

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: Registration fee includes access to recorded content through July 31^st, 2022.

Two Registration Options

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Virtual Program for $499 includes:

• Presentations by our team of experts
• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
• State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session
• Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.

+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:

• Diabetes Educator Course 2021 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
• ADA 2021 Standards of Care Book -The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes is a key resource for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care, education, and support.
• DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard and Pen

2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)

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Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs

Basic virtual program for $399 includes:

• Presentations by our team of experts
• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
• State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session
• Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.

2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)

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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!

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Bonus Courses worth 12+ CEs, FREE

When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!

• Test Taking Toolkit – Over 200 sample test questions!
• Level 2 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach 1.5 CEs
• Level 2 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
• Level 2 – Hyperglycemic Crisis, DKA and HHS Standards 1.0 CEs
• Level 2 – Meds Management Update for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
• Level 2 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 1.5 CEs
• Level 2 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
• Level 2 – From Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
• Level 2 – Older Adults and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
• Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter – 1.0 CE

2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)

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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.

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 8^th 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.

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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.

Type 1 Diabetes Resources

Below is a list of helpful online resources for Type 1 Diabetes. They include sites for national organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA), sites for diabetes interest groups, and other participant organizations that provide helpful diabetes tips and opportunities to join online groups.

Click the links below to visit the website:

• Let’s fight Type 1 Together | American Diabetes Association (ADA)
• Mental Health Resources Directory | ADA
• Type 1 Diabetes Resources and Support | Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Explore our informational guides or make a personal connection with someone experienced with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The JDRF community has you covered.
• Empowering Youth with Type 1 Diabetes |The Chris Dudley Foundation
• The National Institutes of Health Diabetes Resources | CDC
• The College Diabetes Network: Focuses Specifically on Young Adults with Diabetes | College Diabetes Network
• The Diabulimia Helpline: for Individuals Having Eating Problems
• Beyond Type 1 Diabetes
  • Type 1 Diabetes Online Community
  • Mental Health Resources website
• Connected in Motion: Peer-Based Sports & Outdoor Adventures for those with Type 1 (in U.S. and Canada) | Connected In Motion
• Diatribe: Library of Online Resources, Blog & Community Forums
• Diabetes Education: At times it might seem overwhelming, but you can thrive with diabetes, and a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist can help. Includes a link to find a diabetes program near you.

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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!

Email Address Sign Me Up!

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.

COVID & Diabetes Update
Navigating a Crisis

Recorded & Ready for Viewing

Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, has completely updated this critical presentation, to bring health care professionals up-to-date on the current state of COVID and its impact on diabetes care. She summarizes key information including critical teaching points and management strategies for people with diabetes who develop a COVID-19 infection.

Topics Include:

1. Discuss the current state of diabetes in the United States.
2. Describe the relationship between COVID and health care disparities 
3. Explore the impact of COVID infection on those with pre-existing diabetes.
4. Discuss treatment strategies for COVID and diabetes, including new vaccines.
5. List critical teaching points for people with diabetes and COVID.

Join us to learn critical information about Diabetes and COVID Management

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF and Touro University and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

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FREE Resource Catalog

• 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

See Full Free Resource Catalog

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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!

Email Address Sign Me Up!

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.

To continue our celebration of National Diabetes Month, we are excited to provide you with a bunch of helpful resources to help get the word out. Happy Friday everyone.

Websites that offer FREE handouts for diabetes education

ADA’s FREE Living with Type 2 Diabetes Program: ADA’s program includes six digital, printable journeys to teach how to live well with diabetes; a monthly e-newsletter with tips, stories, and more resources; six free issues of the Diabetes Forecast® magazine; access to an online community and local events. (The program is available in both English and Spanish).

Insulin Cost Savings Toolkit Resource Page – A complete listing of low cost insulin options.

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.

National Diabetes Education Program is an online library of resources compiled by the NDEP to help provide accurate information and support for people living with prediabetes and diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes Resource Page – Includes is a list of helpful online resources for Type 1 Diabetes. It include sites for national organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA), sites for diabetes interest groups, and other participant organizations that provide helpful diabetes tips and opportunities to join online groups.

Other Great Resources

1. ADA’s Risk Quiz: 60-second online risk assessment for type 2 diabetes. ADA created a self-assessment and a version to fill out the assessment for others. There’s also a printable version in English & Spanish that can be distributed to help ascertain risk. This is a great first step in helping individuals consider coming in for an appointment
2. Sweet People Club: Theresa Garnero founded the Sweet People Club which provides education, support, and community for individuals with prediabetes or type 2 and their families. She has excellent resources on meal planning and active living, plus she provides a free guide on flexible meal planning.
3. Spanish Language Resources: language can be a barrier to adequate and quality care. ADCES has created a number of free downloads for people with diabetes and prediabetes, which have been translated into Spanish.

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FREE Resource Catalog

• 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

See Full Free Resource Catalog

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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!

Email Address Sign Me Up!

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.

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.