Last year, we came up with a list of 10 Simple Steps to improve planetary health. Me and my family committed to making all 10 of these changes and I wanted to report on how we fared for the year. We weren’t perfect, but we definitely made some good progress! Check out our report below!
We are transforming our yard, plant by plant, with native species. The effort is paying off. The diversity of our bird and butterfly population has dramatically increased, along with a new host of amphibious friends.
By choosing plants that originated from your geographic area, you help support your regional ecosystem and offer pollinators, birds, butterflies, and other healthy critters needed food, pollen, and building materials for their survival.
Read more on our blog, Earth Day Secrets to Improving Planet Health
This year, we purchased a Lomi Composter from Pela Earth, and we love it. All of our food scraps go into the Lomi and from this food waste, nutrient-rich compost is created, and serves as the BEST fertilizer, ever. My house and outdoor plants have never looked so good!
My husband, a committed meat eater, recently discovered that his cholesterol was elevated. Overnight, he reached back in time and started cooking the vegetarian dishes of his Armenian grandparents. My kitchen has never smelled so good and the flavors coupled with joy, make each dish extra special. Plus, our fiber intake has dramatically increased and we are all learning more about traditional Armenian foods (so delicious).
In addition to walking out day outside with our furry friends, we needed a new car and decided to go completely electric. I can’t tell you how GREAT it feels to drive without creating emissions (and it’s so quiet). In addition, we have enough solar panels to charge our cars and rarely need to go to a charging station.
My husband and I have decreased our frequency of showering and have replaced the emitters in our yard to prevent water waste. Most of our plants are drought-tolerant too.
Cold water in the washer works as well as warm or hot water for most items. If the weather is bad, we toss wet clothes over chairs and over the headboard. We don’t hang everything to dry, but we are approaching 50%.
This is an ongoing goal that we keep working on. Our computers are on sleep at night, but we keep forgetting to turn them off.
As a family, we try to purchase used items and clothes whenever possible. In addition, we work on maintaining our appliances and other household gadgets to extend their life and avoid putting them into landfill.
Plastic is everywhere and is so hard to avoid. We first committed to no longer buying plastic water bottles and are trying to use refillable soaps, lotions, and other items. When shopping, we bring our reusable bags to the store. The next goal is to avoid buying fresh foods packaged in plastic.
We are at 50% of this goal. Since the new LED bulbs last so long, it has decreased the hassle of changing the bulbs and we love the wonderful light color choices too.
Please send us your stories too at info@diabetesed.net. We want to hear from you!
Each action, no matter how small, matters. We can do this!
With wishes for improved planetary health,
Beverly, Chris, Jackson, Robert and Choochi, and Maverick
Coach Beverly’s goal is to support our Diabetes Education Community and provide meaningful resources that are useful for your daily practice.
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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.
So many of you responded to our newsletter and fantastic $100 off sale, that we decided to extend the savings for another week.
In this newsletter, we celebrate the opportunity to “Spring” into action. Being active, especially outdoors in nature, is a powerful healer that not only lowers blood glucose but significantly contributes to well-being.
Based on 30 years of encouraging people to move more, Coach Beverly compiled some of her favorite approaches and quips that can help reignite body movement.
We are also thrilled to award ten autographed copies of the ADA Standards of Care. Our virtual conference speaker, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES, has been an expert contributor to the standards for the past three years.
Dr. Isaacs was kind enough to sign ten SOC books with an inspiring message. The first ten registrants for our Deluxe Virtual Diabetes Conference will receive a signed ADA Book from this renowned expert and speaker.
Many of you are considering taking the advanced certification exam in diabetes. If this is part of your goals for 2023, we have important information plus resources to help you move forward on achieving your BC-ADM.
For our Question of Week Section, we provide a label reading challenge. How many total grams of fat is on this macaroni and cheese label? We also highlight a carbohydrate counting question and challenge participants to find the best strategy to evaluate liver disease.
For 25 years, our company has provided compassionate and evidence-based training and education. With the recent economic slowdown, we are sensitive to financial barriers and limited resources that might hinder participation in our programs. To help, we are thrilled to extend $100 off our three most popular programs through April 18, 2023.
Sending notes of joy and health,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Amanda, and Andrew
Announcements
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Upcoming Webinars
Your team is invited to our Virtual DiabetesEd™ Training Conference! Set your team apart and prepare for diabetes certification!
Join this state-of-the-art conference taught by content experts, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, and Ashley LaBrier who are passionate about improving diabetes care.
Group discounts are available!*
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.
Join us in celebration of National Nutrition Month with the theme, “Fuel for the Future”.
In this newsletter, we explore food sustainability while providing multiple strategies to address food insecurity. About 20% of people living with diabetes don’t have adequate access to predictable and healthy food. As diabetes care and education specialists, we can take a leadership role in our healthcare communities and on an individual level to make sure people know how to access food and make their dollars stretch when purchasing groceries.
Our first article dives into healthy eating while keeping the environment in mind. We include lots of additional resources to explore and share with your community.
Bryanna, our Director of Operations, details how she helped to create a community refrigerator that offers fresh fruit, veggies, and dairy products for people living with food insecurity. The end result is heartwarming and nourishing.
Coach Beverly provides ideas on maximizing a person’s purchasing power by choosing lower-cost yet super-healthy foods. In addition, this article contains lots of resources on plant-based foods and recipes that are easy to prepare.
We also celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionists with a spotlight on our expert Virtual Conference speaker, Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES. Did you know that people with diabetes who meet with an RD/RDN have a 0.3 to 2% drop in A1C levels? Dietitians are evidence-based, caring advocates and some of my favorite people.
We hope you enjoy our nutrition-inspired Questions and Rationales of the Week for the entire month of March!
Wishing you a nutritious month,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Amanda, Andrew, and Jackson
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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.
The Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition is kicking off National Nutrition Month with a new slogan, “Fuel for the Future”.
They are shining a light on considering food consumption through a lens of sustainability. What are some tasty ways to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are experts in addressing this question. But how can all diabetes care and education specialist help support healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate the individual’s unique needs?
Plant-Based Meals and Snacks
A great way to get started is to help people learn how to enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks and decrease meat intake. Both the American Diabetes Association and the American Academy of Endocrinologists highly recommend plant-based nutrition for people with diabetes. Not only are plant-based foods packed full of nutrients, protein, and fiber, they generally confer fewer calories and decrease inflammation. Another added bonus is that they have less impact on planetary health and are more sustainable.
Plant-based eating resources including recipes below. Feel free to copy and share!
Sustainable Eating and Decreasing Food Waste
About one-third of all food is tossed into the trash, filling up landfills and increasing methane gas release. Some strategies to decrease waste include finding creative ways to use leftovers rather than tossing them and composting uneaten foods. Encouraging people to buy foods in season and shop locally when possible can make a big impact on the environment while reducing food costs. Another idea is to start a container or backyard garden to grow food at home.
Resources on decreasing food waste and increasing sustainable eating:
To stretch dollars, use a grocery list and shop sales when purchasing food. See what foods are at home before purchasing more.
How many times have you returned from shopping, only to discover you already had that bag of carrots tucked away in the back of the refrigerator? But by taking an inventory of what we have and creating a list of what is needed, we can all reduce waste. When shopping, encourage people to start with the outside isles, which generally display healthier foods while avoiding the center and display isles. Incorporating favorite cultural foods into the shopping list and eating foods in various forms including fresh, frozen, canned, and dried, can add to the variety and affordability.
Practice gratitude for your body by giving it the fuel it needs.
Choosing foods that nourish our body and expressing gratitude for the labor and work that went into harvesting and preparing our food, can improve our relationship with food. Making meals at home, by ourselves or with people we live with, can create connections and joy. By learning cooking and meal preparation skills, people have the opportunity to try new foods and enjoy flavors from around the world. Taking time to enjoy our food by mindfully eating and creating long lasting memories with friends and family is a great place to get started on this journey to tasty and sustainable eating.
Happy Nutrition Month everyone and thank you for considering these small changes, which when added up, make a big difference.
Visit the CDR Website for more great ideas and to access a bounty of free resources.
You are invited to join our Virtual Conference with our Nutrition expert speaker, Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, who will be providing a half-day presentation on this important topic!
Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDES, is an innovator in the field of diabetes, nutrition, and technology. Ashley is a consultant and the Diabetes Education Program Coordinator at the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic’s Diabetes & Endocrine Center.
Ms. LaBrier is passionate about providing person-centered education to empower those who live with diabetes. Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes herself nearly 20 years ago, she combines her professional knowledge with personal experience and understanding.
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
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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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.
With the approval of Tzield (teplizumab-mzwv), an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, we can now offer children 8 years and older an opportunity to delay the progression to type 1 diabetes for up to two years or longer and improve beta cell function.
Teplizumab is the first disease-modifying therapy that impedes the progression of type 1 diabetes by binding to the surface of T cells to dampen the unwanted immune system response. It can delay the onset of symptomatic stage 3 type 1 diabetes in adults and children 8 years and older with stage 2 type 1 diabetes (see staging chart).
It is administered by intravenous infusion once daily for 14 consecutive days and is expected to cost in the region of $200,000 for the course of treatment.
Teplizumab is indicated for the individual in stage 2 type 1 diabetes, or for those with two or more islet autoantibodies and abnormal glycemia but still asymptomatic. People with stage 2 type 1 diabetes, have a nearly 100% lifetime risk of progression to clinical (stage 3) type 1 diabetes and a 75% risk of developing the condition within 5 years.
Results from a landmark clinical type 1 prevention trial conducted by TrialNet showed that with a two-week course of teplizumab:
Insulin production in response to glucose was impaired in the participants before they enrolled in the trial. In participants given an inactive placebo, insulin production declined through the first six months of the study. But in those treated with teplizumab, insulin production improved after treatment.
These results suggest that a single course of Teplizumab may provide long-lasting improvement in beta cell function. This, in turn, could delay or even prevent the development of type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals.
The ability to halt the progression of stage 2 type 1 diabetes from progressing to symptomatic stage 3 diabetes brings the prospect of more wide spread screening for type 1 into sharper focus. Currently, 40-50% of new type 1 diabetes is diagnosed when the individual is admitted to the hospital in a life-threatening hyperglycemic crisis or DKA. Studies suggest, identifying children at risk of future type 1 could avert DKA presentation, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital costs and allowing for early CD3 monoclonal antibody intervention.
Based on data from Trialnet, even though type 1 diabetes runs in families, 85 – 90% of people don’t have a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes. That means, broader screening initiatives will be needed to identify those at risk for type 1 and eligible for the benefits of Teplizumab therapy.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is working toward a two-pronged screening approach.
This includes testing infants at birth with a genetic risk score combined with antibody screening. With this approach, providers can monitor kids with high genetic risk scores – based on human leukocyte antigen haplotypes, and provide education to family members regarding signs of hyperglycemia. In addition, antibody screening can help identify the stage of autoimmunity and help guide treatment action.
Researchers now have solid proof that immunotherapy can slow the progression of type 1 diabetes. This offers hope to conduct additional studies to extend the benefits of teplizumab, while continuing to test other immune therapies. Keep posted!
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
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.
February is the month we celebrate love.
In my opinion, love is at the center of providing diabetes care and education. We open our hearts as we carefully listen to people share their stories about living with diabetes. We celebrate successes and grieve losses alongside the individuals we serve every day. We speak our hearts when we advocate for evidence-based care that enhances well-being and improves outcomes.
In celebration of the compassionate contributions of diabetes care and education specialists, we are excited to announce our “Spreading the Love” Sale during the week of Valentine’s Day.
This month, we are delighted to share our updated Diabetes Education Services logos, celebrating 25 years of growth, connection, and inspiration. Keep your eyes open for website and online communications that include our freshened-up logo coupled with a 25.
For this month’s newsletter, we highlight the new Medicare $35 Insulin cap, discuss how treatments to delay type 1 diabetes might lead to childhood screening, announce a new SGLT-2i and of course test your knowledge with our Question and Rationale of the Week.
Lastly, we are offering two “Making a Difference” Scholarships, which provide a pair of deserving recipients with free registration for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Course in late April.
It has been a complete joy to serve our community and provide meaningful courses, newsletters, blogs, cheat sheets, and content that makes a real difference in people’s lives since 1998. Who knows what we will come up with in the next 25 years?
With gratitude for our amazing community,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Amanda, Andrew, and Jackson
Featured Articles
Upcoming Webinars
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
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.
Every year, Coach Beverly excitedly waits for the release of the new ADA Standards of Care. She loves scanning through the pages of content to discover updates and advances that lead to improved diabetes care. She then translates this new information into her presentations, updates her Cheat Sheets, and refreshes web content to reflect the latest guidelines.
Coach Beverly has discovered three real gems that she is excited to share with all of you.
In this first newsletter of 2023, we feature the new blood pressure and lipid guidelines based on ADA Standard 10. Plus, we explore changes to the Medication Algorithm for Type 2 Diabetes as featured in Standard 9, with a discussion on starting insulin versus an incretin mimetic.
We have updated our images for Question and Rationale of the Week and we invite you to test your knowledge below and review the rationale for the best answer.
Our Cheat Sheets are updated to reflect the 2023 Standards, so you can download these helpful references and study tools. The ever-popular Medications and Glucagon 2023 PocketCards are back from the printer and ready for purchase.
January marks the month we kick off our Level 1 Series. In February, we present our annual ADA Standards of Care update webinar and Level 3 Boot Camp Course Series.
For our 25-year celebration, we have several special events planned that we will be rolling out in the Spring. Stay tuned for an exciting 2023.
With gratitude for our amazing community,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Amanda, Andrew, and Jackson
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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.
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 CDCES Certification Exam.
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.
We decided to get a little personal and share some tenderness, alongside our newsy pieces, for this month’s newsletter.
For Coach Beverly, three words come to mind when she considers her family and business this year: reopening, celebration, and reflection. In her article, Beverly shares insights on the evolution of her company and her family over the past 24 years, including a historical photo of her first-ever Medication PocketCard.
Bryanna shares news on her two recent adoptees, Biscuit and Muffin. They are each adorable in their own way, and Bryanna hopes that they will eventually bring out the best in each other.
We welcome Andrew, a nursing student and new team member to our Diabetes Education Services family.
On the news front, we made significant changes to the timing section of our Insulin Medication PocketCards. We have also added Rezvoglar to the Lantus biosimilar list.
You’re invited to take the Question of the Week and read about the ADA/EASD consensus report with our Rationale of the week.
Finally, we want to turn the spotlight on you! We are forever grateful for your willingness to support and believe in a young Diabetes Specialist who had the vision to create a company that uplifts people with diabetes through a blend of science and compassion.
To thank you, our amazing community of diabetes educators and advocates, we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary throughout 2023 with special events and giveaways. We can’t wait!
In celebration,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Amanda, Andrew, and Jackson
Featured Articles
FREE Resources
December 13, 2022 – FREE: Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit
December 14, 2022 – FREE: CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me?December 15, 2022 – New ADA/EASD Meds Consensus Update| Level 2 |1.5 CE’s
December 20, 2022 – Assessing Well-Being: A Person-Centered Approach | 1.5 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!
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.