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April eNews | Diabetes Certification Exam Updates You Need to Know

The Steps to Getting Certified Have Changed – A LOT

I remember clutching my calculator and driver’s license as I entered the crowded test site to take my Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) Exam for the first time 29 years ago.

Back in the early 90s, applicants needed 2000 hours of diabetes self-management practice experience to qualify and a #2 pencil to bubble in the right answers on the exam scantron.

I felt queasy as I opened the test booklet and looked at the first question, which was a long vignette with a complex chart of blood sugar data. A terrifying thought crossed my mind “What if I fail, what would my staff think”?

Over 3 hours later, I gave my bubbled-in scantron to the proctor, stepped out into the sunshine, and took a big breath of relief.

Thinking back on this day, I clearly remember a lack of study tools and resources to prepare for the exam. Our little group studied the “AADE Blue Books” and created practice quizzes, but I still felt extremely unprepared for the exam in front of me.

This profound experience kick started the creation of our company, dedicated to making sure that health care professionals have the tools and resources needed to realize their professional dream of achieving (and maintaining) certification.

In truth, achieving my CDCES is one of the best and most meaningful investments in my professional career!  

For this newsletter, we celebrate diabetes certification.

We dive into the modified eligibility requirements for the CDCES exam. We also provide a simplified explanation for certification renewal. Coach Beverly shares her journey to become a CDCES. Plus, we explore our most popular Question of the Week ever and pose a new question regarding Type 1 and Ramadan. To celebrate Spring, the ADA Standards Book is on sale too!

Wherever you are on this journey, we are here to cheer you on each step of the way. Let us know how we can help!

Coach Beverly, Bryanna, and Jackson

Click Here to View Entire Newsletter

Featured Blogs

Featured Items

On Sale | Now just $24.95
ADA 2021 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes Book

The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes is a key resource for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care, education, and support.

One of the most important pieces of literature to read prior to becoming a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and for clinical practice, the Standards of Care book is a study must!

The book includes:

  • ADA’s standards for diagnosing and treating diabetes
  • Nutrition recommendations and principles
  • Position statements on managing diabetes and its complications in various settings

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!

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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.

March eNews | Steroids, Sugar Spikes and Nutrition Month Celebration

March | Steroids, Sugar Spikes and Nutrition Month Celebration

March is National Nutrition Month

This gives us a whole month to celebrate the amazing expertise and abundant knowledge of our nutrition colleagues.

We will be focusing on nutrition dilemmas for our Question of the Week and featuring spring recipes along with plant-based resources.

Plus, we are excited to highlight Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, our new dietitian team member and Virtual Conference speaker. Welcome to the team Ashley!

For our feature article, we recognize that many people with diabetes and COVID started on steroids are experiencing hyperglycemic crisis. Coach Beverly summarizes strategies to get glucose to target during steroid therapy.

We are also excited to feature an interview with Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES.

We are thrilled that Diana is providing 8 hours of content for our Virtual Conference in April. She is a pharmacology and technology expert, with a special knack for translating the complex world of diabetes technologies into understandable terms. Read more about this ADCES Educator of the Year in our interview below.

Lastly, we have expanded our FREE Webinar offerings. Coach Beverly explores the different diabetes certification options and provides test-taking skill-building. We hope you can join us!

Happy Nutrition Month everyone.

We wish you all health and an abundance of fiber intake from a variety of whole grains and fresh foods!

With affection and wishes for health,

Coach Beverly, Bryanna,  and Jackson

Click here to read our full March 2021 newsletter.

Featured Blogs

Featured Items

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Course
Earn 30+ CEs | April 15-17, 2021

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.

DiabetesEd Virtual Conference Flyer 2021

Diabetes Ed Virtual 3-Day Schedule 2021

Prepare for CDCES or BC-ADM certification or earn hours for renewal.

If you are interested in taking the CDCES or BC-ADM exam or 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.

Can’t join live? No worries, your registration guarantees access to the recorded content through Dec 31, 2021!

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! 

Your registrations include access to all the Online Sessions plus Bonus Courses through December 31st, 2021.

Bonus Courses worth 14 + CEs FREE – When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!

ADCES Desk Reference + 5th Ed Review Guide Book Bundle

The 5th Edition ADCES Desk Reference & 5th Edition Review Guide Bundle –our most popular AADE Book Bundle for exam preparation!

What is included in the ADCES Book Bundle?

The Art & Science of Diabetes Self-Management Education Desk Reference – 5th Edition

Major Features:

  • practical information educators can use with patients to avoid complications and comorbidities
  • risks and benefits of CGM and the educator’s role in working with patients who use CGM
  • updated info on incorporating the ADA, AADE, and AND joint position statement and algorithm of care into a DSME program

ADECES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition

Includes an answer key with rationales for all questions included in the guide! 

Major Features:

  • 480 + multiple-choice questions
  • Strategies for preparing for and taking the exam

3 self-assessment tests that cover three main content sections on the CDCES Exam:

  • Assessment of Diabetes and Prediabetes 
  • Interventions for Diabetes and Prediabetes
  • Disease Management 

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!

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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.

February Newsletter- 5 Myths about Exercise, Sitting & Sleep plus Winter Recipes

February – 5 Myths about Exercise, Sitting & Sleep plus Winter Recipes

New ADA Standards recognize food insecurity and its impact on mental wellness

In the first pages of the ADA 2021 Standards, there is important and detailed information addressing population health. This in-depth focus explores the Social Determinants of Health, acknowledging their impact on diabetes self-care and outcomes.

Our feature article, contributed by Bryanna, draws our attention to the mental toll associated with food insecurity. People with diabetes are at higher risk of not having enough food to eat due to socioeconomics. This is especially true for single mothers and people of color with diabetes.

 We explore the social impact and provide resources that diabetes specialists can share with those who are experiencing food insecurity and distress.

In addition, I investigate some potential myths around exercise, sitting, and sleep. Are modern humans lazier and more under-slept than our ancestors? Regardless of the data, I’m not ready to give up my treadmill desk anytime soon!

February kicks off Black History Month and provides me with a perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate a colleague that I worked with over 30 years ago. Ms. Davis made me feel proud to be a nurse and role modeled professionalism coupled with compassion.

Our rationale of the week quizzed test takers on the latest 2021 ADA Medication Algorithms and addresses a common medication management issue. See what you think.

With chilly weather blanketing much of the United States, it’s a perfect time for some recipes that not only nourish our bodies but warm us up. We’ve put together our most popular winter recipes by Dawn Desoto, RD, CDCES.

We love celebrating our DiabetesEd Online graduates. Most recently we are thrilled to congratulate Susan George for passing her BC-ADM Exam and sharing her story with us.

Lastly, this Monday, I got my second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at 7:30am. One hour later, I was clocking miles on my treadmill (pictured above). I did experience some chills and body aches that evening, but by the end of day 2, I felt great!

With affection and wishes for health,

Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Dawn, and Jackson

Click here to read our full February 2021 newsletter.

Most Popular 2020 Blogs

Featured Items

 

FREE Resource Catalog

See Full Free Resource Catalog

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!

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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.

 

January 2021 eNews – 5 Reasons to Celebrate & Most Frequently Asked Exam Question

January 2021 eNews – 5 Reasons to Celebrate 2021

5 Reasons to Celebrate 2021

  • DKA can be treated with Sub-Q insulin
  • There is a NEW home test to check for type 1 diabetes
  • We added over 50 new practice test questions to CDCES Coach App
  • New ADA Standards of Care address health inequities
  • Two COVID- Vaccines are being distributed

In this newsletter, we are excited to celebrate notable breakthroughs.

As a diabetes nurse for over 20 years, I assumed that the ONLY way to treat DKA was with an insulin drip. It turns out that a Sub-Q approach is as effective and safe. Investigate more about the steps involved in this approach in our featured article.

In the past, testing for type 1 diabetes required a provider order. Now, concerned family members can choose to get tested from home. Read more about this super easy screening test for type 1 diabetes.

Our rationale of the week brings Section 1 of the new ADA Standards on Population Health to light. This standard boldly addresses social determinants of health, with an intense focus on food insecurity and other barriers to self-care.

Lastly, this Monday, I was lucky enough to get my first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. I sported a sore arm for less than 24 hours and that was it. Now, I am anxiously cheering for all my family, friends, colleagues, and community to get this life-saving vaccination.

Stay safe everyone and don’t forget to get enough sleep!

Click here to read our full January 2021 newsletter.

Most Frequently Asked Exam Question – Which Standards to Study?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the CDCES Exam is the following:

Should I study this year’s ADA Standards of Care or last year’s ADA Standards of Care?

Coach Bev studying the Standards

In this years exam handbook, the CBDCE provided clarification on this high anxiety topic.

CBDCE Exam Content Update Policy

Immediately – New diagnostic criteria or specific guidelines impacting diabetes care and education and/or treatment of diabetes which are released nationally and identified as effective immediately may be including in the examination at any time.

One Year – New medical advances, guidelines, or pharmaceuticals will be included in CDCES Exam no sooner than one year after the information is released.

What does this mean for us?

I have already read and reviewed the 2020 ADA Standards of Care.

For more info, please refer to the 2021 Certification Examination Handbook

If you have already studied the ADA 2020 Standards of Care, you will be set for the 2021 CDCES Exam. Since there are no new diagnostic criteria or specific guidelines that are dramatically different from the 2020 Standards of Care.

The one exception is that there are updated diabetes management guidelines for the older population as outlined in our Older People Level 2 Course and you can review in the ADA Standards of Care, section 12.

Please see ADA Standards Summary of Revisions for more detailed information on updates for 2021.

I haven’t started reviewing the ADA Standards of Care.

Great. Please plan on studying the 2021 ADA Standards of Care, which includes all of the same content as the 2020 Standards with some additions and updates.

We are all rooting for your success! For More info:

January News Topics

Featured Items

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!

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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.

December Newsletter | New Diabetes App, Winter Recipes, and a Sprinkling of Gratitude

Click here to read our full December newsletter.

Boy, am I looking forward to 2021.

The New Year brings hope – vaccines to curb the pandemic are around the corner and we keep improving our care for people with COVID infections.

But right now, my heart is heavy. I don’t feel like putting up holiday decorations and my cookie making motivation is at an all-time low.

The hospitals are bursting with people and I am worried about our medical colleagues and their mental and physical health.

I am concerned about the people we serve who live with diabetes, knowing that they are hit especially hard by Corona Virus infections.

Now, more than ever, I am leaning into my strong belief that our compassion, intelligence and humanity, will lift us out of this dark time into the light.

I feel grateful that my business has survived this harsh year. Me, Bryanna and our entire team, worked tirelessly to move all of our programs to a virtual format so that we could deliver critical content to our community.

We created new content on COVID and Diabetes, to help navigate these new uncharted waters. Knowing that many have been impacted financially by the pandemic, we are providing this course and many of our Level 2, Standards of Care Courses for free to ensure important information is accessible.

We believe that armed with information and tools, our community keeps making a significant difference in improving not only outcomes but the quality of life for those living with diabetes.

We are thankful for each one of you and the light you shine on our diabetes community.

In health and gratitude,

Coach Beverly, Bryanna and Jackson

Click here to read our full December newsletter.

Dec News Highlights

Featured Items

 

FREE Resource Catalog

See Full Free Resource Catalog

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!

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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.

October Newsletter | Meds Update, Free Quizzes, and Rationale

Click here to read our full October newsletter.

Greetings to our awesome diabetes community.

For this newsletter, we are excited to share three diabetes medication announcements. Our updated PocketCards are ready for downloading and viewing with these changes.

We know how much you love testing your knowledge, so we have created 3 new quizzes in our CDCES Coach App. For now, you can access these quizzes for free, so flex your test-taking muscle today.

The pandemic has taken a toll on people with diabetes and exposed the impact of health inequities. We take a moment to pause and reflect on the impact of this pandemic, with a special focus on food insecurity and actions we can take to address gaps in health care.

Lainey Koski was the first full-time employee at my company. She was not only an exceptional colleague, she was a wonderful human and friend. We pay tribute to Lainey, who left us way too soon.

Finally, since November 3rd is around the corner, we have included information on finding a polling place near you.

Be safe, take care of yourself, and take time to enjoy the small wonders.

Coach Beverly, Bryanna, and Jackson

Click here to read our full October newsletter.
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The New Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education Desk Reference – 5th Edition| $249

We are so excited that the 5th edition The Art and Science of Diabetes Care and Education is finally here!

This specialist’s one-volume, go-to resource for the core knowledge and skills for providing person-centered care and education to persons with diabetes and related chronic conditions. This is a core resource for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist® (CDCES) exam.

Updates:

  • Two new chapters addressing multiple daily injections (MDI), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and intensifying therapy, pattern management, and data analysis.
  • Revised AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors®, with its recognition of the impact the emotional burden of diabetes on metabolic and quality of life outcomes.
  • Highlights obesity management, including the 3-step algorithm for care of overweight and obese people with diabetes.
  • Expanded coverage of motivational interviewing (MI).
  • Major rewrites of the kidney disease and diabetic neuropathies chapters.

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!

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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.

September Newsletter | New Online Scholarship, Liver Disease, CGM Update

Click to view the September Newsletter

What a year!

Thank you everyone for your support as I shared my adventure of moving my oldest son into his Texas college dorm two weeks ago. He is thriving and excited to live away from home, hang out with other students (while wearing a mask) and attend a combination of virtual and live classroom instruction. My 15-year-old son, Jackson, has stepped into Robert’s role at our company and is doing a great job fulfilling orders and working on special projects.

A special shout out of recognition to all of you who are juggling homeschooling, new working situations, and your lives. This is a tough time for all of us and I miss seeing all of you!

Speaking of virtual instruction, we have great news to share. Our DiabetesEd Boot Camp starts on Sept 16th. We can’t wait to join together with you in the community again as we hunker down to prepare for certification exams. 

We are excited to announce that we are offering two Online University Scholarships for diabetes advocates that are “Making a Difference” in their community. Please share it with your colleagues and friends.

In addition, this newsletter explores the importance of promptly recognizing the liver disease and the cost-saving benefits of CGM technology.

Lastly, we love providing our customers with easy-to-find resources, so we put all our most popular Cheat Sheets on one Resource Page for fast access.

During this time of uncertainty and financial hardships, we will be offering frequent discounts. It’s our way of saying thank you with a virtual hug of appreciation.

Warmest regards,

Coach Beverly, Bryanna, and Jackson

View Full Newsletter

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!

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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.

DiabetesEd Top 3 Blog Posts | July 2020

Click here to view our Top 3 Blogs Newsletter

It’s time for the Top 3 Blog Posts of the Month. As always, people loved our Question of the Week. The most popular question this month was on the administration of Glucagon Rescue Medications.

In addition, there was lots of interest in the newly approved rapid insulin. The post about the joy of having my children work in my company also resonated with our community. This is especially touching to me since I move Robert into college in less than 13 days.

Lastly, during this time of distress and turmoil, we thought it would be a good opportunity to feature some uplifting news. We are overjoyed to share the story of one of our course graduates, David, who recently passed his CDCES Exam. You can read his journey below and for more uplifting stories, we invite you to visit our Online Graduate Success Stories Page.

Keep Safe. Be well.

Coach Beverly

Click here to view our Top 3 Blogs Newsletter

Watch for FREE or purchase to earn CEs!

Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes Standards 2020
Join Live Stream August 5th at 11:30 am (PST)
1.5 CEs | $29.00 or No CEs | Free

Perfect for those planning to take the CDCES or BC-ADM or for those seeking an update.

Diabetes Specialists have a critical role in advocating for CV reduction. Coach Beverly is extending a special invitation to join this webinar on the latest standards for CV reduction.

This webinar will address:

  • insulin resistance syndrome and vascular complications.
  • impact of vessel disease from the heart to the toes.
  • prevention of vascular disease
  • strategies to achieve goals of care.
Purchase Now | 1.5 CE

Register for FREE recorded webinar (no CEs).

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!

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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.*

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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.

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