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Hi friends, we have two pieces of exciting news!
First, the 2026 ADA Standards of Care are here! This updated content is full of evidence-based guidelines and clinical pearls that you can bring back to your practice, prepare for certification exams, and, of course, advocate on behalf of people living with pre-diabetes and diabetes.
As a busy healthcare professional, we understand that you may not have time to read all 350+ pages! We have a solution.
Join Coach Bev on January 29th for a 2.5 CE Live Webinar that summarizes the critical content you need to know. If you can’t join us live, once you register, you have access to the recorded version for a full year.
You can relax as your expert guide, Coach Bev, leads you through a two hour journey highlighting updates to the ADA Standards. You will walk away feeling confident and focused on what’s most important for certification exams and your practice.
Second exciting announcement!
The New CDCES Coach App is NOW available on Apple and Google Play. Best part? It’s still FREE!
After 6 months of renovation (thanks, Bryanna), you are going to love our new and improved CDCES Coach App. Our older version is sunsetting at the end of the month, so download the new version today! Enjoy quick access to the ADA Standards, new sample test questions with rationales, cheat sheets, Question of the Week and more!
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Astraea & Katarina


Our new, revitalized CDCES Coach app, will equip you with certification exam study tools and clinical resources- right at your fingertips!
✨ Fresh new design with easier navigation.
New Quizzes with Rationale for In-app Purchase Option
✨ 25 Practice Test Questions with Rationale – Only $9.99! ✨
📱 Register Today! To take advantage of all these enhanced features, you will need to sign up for the new CDCES Coach App! The old app sunsets on 12/31/2025.
You have been asking for these app improvements. We are happy to deliver new features while keeping your favorite resources at the ready!
📱 Works on mobile, tablet, and desktop-friendly!
I love this time of year because we get to celebrate you, the hard-working and dedicated diabetes healthcare professionals.
To allow more healthcare professionals to join the Diabetes Education and Care Specialist community, we have expanded our accreditation.
With our evidence-based courses, we are now providing CEs for physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists. We want to make sure that anyone who wants to enter the field of diabetes has ample opportunity.
Thank you so much for the lives you touch every day.
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Astraea & Katarina
Dr. Banting was born on November 14, 1891. That is why we celebrate World Diabetes Day on November 14th.
On October 25th, 1923 the Nobel prize in physiology or medicine was awarded to Frederick Grant Banting and John James Richard MacLeod “for the discovery of insulin”. The discovery was made in 1921, which makes the two-year time period between the detection and this prize one of the shortest in the history of the Nobel Prize.
During a hot summer in 1921, Dr. Banting secured space to test out his theory in the University of Toronto. Along with his colleague, Charles Best, and a bare bones lab, they conducted dozens of experiments on dogs, which ultimately led to the discovery of insulin.
Dr. Banting and Charles Best began their experiments ligating the pancreases of dogs, thinking this would prevent destruction by the digestive pancreatic juices, and then isolating the extract from the islet cells. They then processed the extract from the islet cells and injected this extract they called “insulin” into diabetic dogs. According to an audio Interview with Dr. Best, by July 1921, they had 75 positive examples of insulin lowering blood glucose levels in dogs.
In February 1922, doctor Frederick Banting and biochemist John Macleod published their paper on the successful use of a alcohol based pancreatic extract for normalizing blood glucose levels in a human patient.
Here are some photos of the first insulin bottles produced by the University of Toronto and Eli Lilly.
Soon, word of their discovery got out and the race was on to produce enough insulin to treat the flood of type 1 patients arriving in Toronto to receive this miracle injection.
First Children to Receive Insulin
The first patient to receive insulin was a ‘welfare’ case at Toronto General Hospital – no clinical trial structure to say the least. People from Canada/US flooded into Toronto to receive treatment. Banting struggled with the lack of accessibility of insulin – volume needed and issues of purification.
The earliest patients were “selected”, some youths from Canada/US, some soldiers with diabetes (probably because of Banting’s service in the First World War) and then later some select private patients. During this time they were working hard to increase the volume and continue to improve the purification process. Insulin was available for testing in US, namely through Dr. Elliot Joslin in the late summer 1922.
Dr. Banting – Fun and Interesting Facts

Takes a Team
While Best played a critical and important role, credit must also go to Professor Macleod, from the University of Toronto, who provided the lab space, showed Dr. Banting how to operate on dogs, provided his student Best and suggested they switch from a saline to alcohol to purify the ‘extract’. Dr. Macleod also secured the support of JB Collip, the 4th man on the team and the fist person to purify insulin for human use. Best is also known for pushing Banting to return to the research during a particular dark period of failure.
Historical Insulin Powerpoint Slides – here is a collection of some of my favorite powerpoint slides, depicting the discovery of insulin.
Visit Banting House Facebook Page
Canadian Broadcast that highlights the first patient, Ted Ryder, the first patient to receive insulin from Dr. Banting. Some great historic video footage of Dr. Banting shaking hands with the young man..
The Quest – 1958 This short film is a re-enactment of the critical year in Dr. Frederick Banting’s life when he discovered insulin for the treatment of diabetes at the University of Toronto. It depicts the odds against which he and his assistant, Charles Best, worked; the scepticism of other doctors and the final victory that gave thousands of diabetics hope for a healthier life.
The Flame – Banting House Historical Site Newsletter

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Greetings, wonderful healthcare colleagues!
Did you know that over 16% of American adults—nearly 1 in 6—are living with diabetes, according to the latest data from the CDC? When we look at the bigger picture, it becomes clear that social drivers of health play a decisive role in this growing epidemic.
Data suggests that access to knowledge, resources, and supportive environments can profoundly impact prevention, diagnosis, and daily diabetes management. By equipping individuals with knowledge about diabetes management and preventative measures, we empower them to take ownership of their health and inspire change within their communities.
To get the ball rolling, we are excited to share a list of our favorite FREE diabetes resources in English and Spanish. Please share this information with your colleagues and community members.
Have you considered the implications of Stage 4 Gestational Diabetes (GDM)? As Christine Craig highlights, after the birth of a baby, it is challenging to keep follow-up appointments and receive ongoing healthcare. Yet after delivery with GDM, the risk of future diabetes is high, and staying connected with the care team improves outcomes. Read more about this critical 4th Stage.
Our tech expert, Dr. Sarah, considers the impact of technology on diabetes distress. What effect does being “plugged” into technology have on the emotional health of the person living with diabetes?
Lastly, to help everyone feel their best this holiday season, we are sharing our popular handout, “Ten Strategies to Survive the Holidays” as well as an info sheet on reframing diabetes distress.
We hope you can join our FREE webinars celebrating National Diabetes Month. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing dedication to improving diabetes care.
With gratitude for the care you give every day!
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Astraea & Katarina

The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 8 million people in the United States depend on insulin therapy for survival.¹ Multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin can be challenging to manage. Diabetes care and education specialists understand that complex medication regimens often lead to difficulty achieving medication adherence and worsening glycemic control.²
CeQur Simplicity is a unique alternative to MDI therapy. It redefines insulin delivery with a wearable device that administers insulin with just a few clicks. By simplifying insulin delivery, CeQur can support successful insulin management and improve glycemic control without the hassle of multiple daily injections.
The CeQur Simplicity patch is a wearable insulin delivery device for adults aged 21 and older, approved for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who require insulin. This thin patch can hold up to 200 units of either U-100 lispro (Humalog) or U-100 aspart (Novolog) insulin. The patch can be used for up to 4 days on any approved insulin injection site. It is usually worn on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arms, as these areas are more accessible for reaching the CeQur device.³
Pressing the buttons on the sides of the device delivers two units of insulin. Each press produces an audible click to announce delivery. Over the 4-day wear period, this wearable insulin device replaces up to twelve meal bolus injections. The ease of use and ability to dose without carrying and storing insulin or injecting it can be freeing for many people living with diabetes. Research has found that when using the CeQur patch, users were more satisfied with the device, experienced less diabetes-related burden, and missed fewer insulin boluses.
CeQur is not an automated insulin delivery system. This device operates independently and does not connect to continuous glucose monitors. The CeQur Simplicity is not approved for basal insulin and does not replace the need for basal insulin.
Diabetes healthcare professionals can help identify clients who may benefit from the CeQur Simplicity insulin patch. An ideal CeQur candidate may be those who:
The healthcare professional’s (HCP) role starts with explaining the CeQur Simplicity device and how it differs from traditional insulin pumps and insulin pens. Besides identifying those who may benefit from CeQur, the HCP also provides training and troubleshooting for CeQur. CeQur training includes demonstrating how to apply and remove the device, using the click-based bolus feature, and performing site care and rotation procedures. This hands-on education helps clients build confidence in their new insulin delivery device. HCP’s can also assist in exploring cost, insurance coverage, and manufacturer support programs.
Here are other considerations for the diabetes healthcare professional:
✅ Assess the ability to count by 2s as the device only delivers doses in increments of 2 units.
✅ Fill the CeQur device with insulin just before use and never prefilled in advance.
✅ Do not apply a CeQur insulin patch near the area where basal insulin is injected.
✅ Avoid applying the insulin patch to areas that will be irritated by clothing, accessories, or a seat belt.
✅ Use the ‘Change By’ sticker provided with each device as a reminder of when the device needs to be changed.
✅ Avoid submerging the patch more than 3 feet 3 inches (1 meter). Also, do not squeeze the dosing buttons while the patch is underwater.³
Diabetes healthcare professionals work to identify and address barriers to insulin therapy. Collaborating with clients can boost their confidence, foster effective diabetes self-management, and improve their psychological outcomes. For those who are frustrated with their current MDI therapy but are also leery of AID systems, the CeQur Simplicity insulin patch may offer fewer injections, freedom from carting around meal-time insulin, and an improved quality of life.
References


Two out of three individuals with type 2 diabetes are affected by liver steatosis.¹ In May 2025, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) published a consensus report, which emphasized recommendations for early diagnosis, long-term monitoring, and highlighted lifestyle interventions as critical in preventing progression to cirrhosis.¹
In the past year, two medications have been approved for the treatment of MASH; however, lifestyle change remains at the foundation of treatment. These changes focus on improving dietary quality, increasing physical activity, promoting weight loss, and reducing sedentary behaviors.
Nutrition therapy, ideally guided by a registered dietitian nutritionist and reinforced by the entire diabetes care team, needs to be individualized to each person’s social, cultural, and financial needs.¹ Ivancovsky Wajcman et al. ² published a fascinating review of different country’s MASLD management guidelines summarizing recommended lifestyle interventions, their findings indicated many similarities with only a few differences.
Most groups recommended evidence-based eating patterns with the following themes:
The Mediterranean diet eating pattern is recommended in the MASLD/MASH ADA consensus report as well as the EASL–EASD–EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines ¹,²,³ due to its relationship with improving diet quality and evidence of hepatic and cardiovascular health benefits, even without weight loss.
Other dietary patterns, such as the low-fat, low-carbohydrate, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, high protein, meal replacement, and intermittent fasting, have also been shown to be comparable strategies to improve steatosis due to weight loss.¹
In people with overweight and obesity, the magnitude of weight loss has been associated with improving glycemic management, insulin sensitivity, as well as histological improvements in MASH.¹
Weight reduction over 5% has been associated with reduced steatosis, and greater weight loss of 7-10% has been shown to reverse steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis.¹,²,³ However, it is recognized that achieving long-term weight reduction may be challenging.³
Avoidance of alcohol is recommended for individuals with moderate fibrosis, as even modest use may aggravate injury.
Physical activity, including aerobic and resistance training, has independent effects beyond weight loss: decreasing intrahepatic fat, improving cardiovascular risk, improving insulin sensitivity, and supporting weight‐loss maintenance. Guidelines generally recommend greater than or equal to 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity (or equivalent) and resistance activities 2-3 times per week, with greater benefit when increasing activity.
However, reducing sedentary time and breaking up prolonged sitting bouts can be effective ways to reach this goal.¹,³ Emerging evidence highlights the importance of stress reduction, adequate sleep and treatment of sleep apnea, and management of comorbidities such as dyslipidemia and hypertension, due to their impact on liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.¹,²
Until recently, there were no FDA-approved medications specifically for MASH; treatment was either off-label or targeted at comorbidities such as weight reduction or lipid and glycemic management. However, in the past 2 years, two different medications have been released to address MASH. In March 2024, the FDA approved resmetirom (brand name Rezdiffra) for adults with noncirrhotic MASH to be prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle therapy. 4 In August 2025, the FDA approved semaglutide (brand name Wegovy) for the treatment of MASH and moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. 5
MASLD and MASH are high-risk health conditions for people with diabetes, with approximately 10-30% progressing to advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis.³ While new FDA-approved medications such as resmetirom and semaglutide offer promising options, lifestyle modification remains a cornerstone treatment.
As diabetes healthcare professionals, we are uniquely positioned to implement evidence-based strategies into the individualized care plan.
We can screen, educate, and empower individuals living with diabetes to take proactive steps that protect liver health, improve metabolic outcomes, and prevent progression to cirrhosis. Through nutrition and lifestyle therapy, pharmacotherapy, and incorporating broad strategies into DSMES services (¹) we can strengthen prevention and outcomes.
References
From November 30th to December 2nd, use the code “Cyber30″ for 30% off at checkout!

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Greetings, wonderful healthcare colleagues!
With the onset of fall, it is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and read our monthly newsletter. Pull out your calendar and save the dates for our upcoming courses and free webinars.
First up, you are going to do a happy dance when you download our GLP-1/GIP Indications Cheat Sheet. With a glance, you will be able to quickly determine which incretin is the best match for the person sitting across from you, considering their glucose levels, weight goals, age, and other co-conditions. Shout out to Diana Issacs, PharmD, CDCES, for getting the ball rolling on this latest addition to our Cheat Sheet Library.
Speaking of Diana Isaacs, you won’t want to miss her at our DiabetesEd Course in San Diego in a few weeks. We have so much fun co-teaching at this conference and giving attendees our full attention! Invite a friend, save $75, and get ready for a wonderful experience and a comprehensive diabetes update.
Over 60% of people with diabetes are living with liver steatosis. Our nutrition expert, Christine Craig, reviews evidence-based lifestyle approaches that you can quickly apply in your clinical practice.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use insulin delivery device, check out this review article on CeQur Simplicity by our tech expert, Dr. Sarah Beattie. She explores the benefits and limitations of this straightforward bolus insulin delivery device.
A big welcome to our newest team member and customer service advocate, Astraea Ballinger. They bring a wealth of experience and positive energy to the team, and we are thrilled to introduce them.
Test your knowledge with our question and rationale of the week, and we hope to see you in San Diego!
With appreciation,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Astraea & Katarina

Save $75 – Invite a colleague to our DiabetesEd Seminar in San Diego.
Use code FriendDiscountSD during checkout to save!
DiabetesEd Training Seminar
30+ CEs with Expanded Accreditation!

Join our expert team for engaging, interactive sessions that bring the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more. Ideal for CDCES or BC-ADM exam prep, this course also includes a 4-hour Virtual Medical Nutrition Therapy Toolkit and bonus content that also meets CDCES renewal requirements.
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

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

Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun!
Program Faculty Disclosures:
Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) requires every individual in a position to control educational content to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
All relevant financial relationships for anyone with the ability to control the content of this educational activity are listed below and have been mitigated according to Partners policies. Others involved in the planning of this activity have no relevant financial relationships.
Faculy Bios & Disclosures:
Coach Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM – CEO of DiabetesEd ServicesDisclosures:
Beverly Thomassian has no financial disclosures
Bio:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Disclosures:
Dr. Diana Isaacs has the following relevant financial relationships:
Bio:
Diana Isaacs was awarded 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She serves 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.
For the past three year, Dr. Isaacs has served as a contributing author for the 2023 ADA Standards of Care.
As the Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research and speaking experience to this program.
Activity Start and End Date: 10/22/25 – 10/23/2025
Estimated time to complete the activity: 15 hours and 30 minutes
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Jointly provided by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education and Diabetes Education Services
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Joint Accreditation Statement:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) and Diabetes Education Services. Partners is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Continuing Education:
Partners designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity is 15.50 contact hours.
Pharmacy Continuing Education:
Partners designates this continuing education activity for 15.50 contact hour(s) (1.550 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Activity Number – JA4008073-9999-25-206-L01-P)
Type of Activity: Application
For Pharmacists: Upon successfully completing the activity evaluation form, transcript information will be sent to the NABP CPE Monitor Service within 4 weeks.
Dietitian Continuing Education:
This program offers 15.50 CPEUs for dietitians.
Interprofessional Continuing Education:
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 15.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
For additional information about the accreditation of this activity, please visit https://partnersed.com.
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.
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Greetings, wonderful healthcare colleagues!
You are going to love all the updates to our cheat sheets, online university courses, and PocketCards.
Coach Beverly has been excitedly scanning the 2026 ADA Standards to discover updates and advances in diabetes care. She and her team are hustling to integrate these new findings across our platforms, including the CDCES Coach App, handouts, courses, and web content, so that you can access the latest information with confidence.
In our first newsletter of 2026, we are excited to share that we have made significant changes to our Medication PocketCards in the GLP-1/GIP RA section. Now included are the diabetes and weight-loss versions of this popular medication class, with indications for each. You can compare and contrast at a glance. Download your free version and read more below.
Our library of Cheat Sheets is updated and includes a few new additions! These sheets are available on our website and the CDCES Coach App for easy access, with the option to download and share with your colleagues and people living with diabetes alike.
Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, explores her experience with a client who arrived at her office distraught and struggling with the loss of his lifelong partner. Pass the tissues.
Our Tech contributor, Dr. Beattie, provides a summary of red flag statements that may indicate a person is experiencing barriers to effectively using technology in their day-to-day management.
We encourage you to test your knowledge with our Question and Rationale of the Week. January kicks off our Level 1 Fundamental Series, followed by our annual ADA Standards of Care update on January 29th and Level 2 Mastery Course Series in February. We hope to see you there!
Here is to a 2026 filled with self-compassion and moments of awe.
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Astraea & Katarina
Diabetes Education Services offers education and training to diabetes educators in the areas of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes for the novice to the established professional. Whether you are training to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), practicing at an advanced level and interested in board certification, or a health care professional and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who needs continuing education hours to renew your license or CDCES, we have diabetes education information, resources and training; learning and teaching tools; and diabetes online courses available for continuing education (CE). Read our disclaimer for full disclosure.