The health benefits of plant-based diets are not a new topic, but as they continue to be a top headline in the news and on social media, #plantbased, we have more and more clients expressing interest in this dietary pattern.

When JR asks, “I just read about a plant-based diet; do think I have to avoid all meat?” What are we to answer?

Plant-based diet is a general term to include eating patterns that emphasize whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and discourage animal products. The popularity of this diet has grown as more evidence associates it with lower rates of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular mortality, obesity, cancer, and the prevention of type 2 diabetes.¹ Research has also associated a higher intake of meat and processed meat with an increased risk of these similar chronic diseases.¹ Definitions of plant-based can vary widely from avoiding all animal products to reducing intake of animal-based foods; Mediterranean, DASH diet, and Planetary diet approaches may fit within this definition. 

Different Types of Plant Based Diets Include:

• vegan (avoiding all animal products), 
• lacto-vegetarian (including only dairy),
•  lacto-ovo-vegetarian (including dairy and eggs), 
• pesco-vegetarian (including fish and often dairy and eggs), 
• or flexitarian (occasional consumption of meat, dairy, and/or fish). 

As we review articles and noteworthy news, we might ask ourselves what plant-based definition has been used.

A vegan Diet, in persons with type 2 diabetes, is effective in reducing HgbA1c and body weight.¹ The 2019 Nutrition Therapy for Adults with Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes Consensus report²  stated that a vegetarian or vegan diet can reduce A1c by 0.3-0.4% in people with type 2 diabetes, and plant-based eating patterns reduce weight, waist circumference, and LDL. A 2017 systemic review and meta-analysis³ of 14 studies found in 8 observational studies that vegetarian diet patterns (excluding meat and meat products) reduced the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes compared to Omnivore diets. In five studies, no significant associations between a vegetarian diet and diabetes risk were observed, however, lack of definition of the degree of vegetarian, duration and actual intake, or specificity in diet quality could have affected the results.

A plant-based diet may not always be healthful, as it could include refined grains, starches, sugars, and processed plant-based products. Refined carbohydrates and highly processed foods are independently associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The ADA Standards of Care emphasize diet quality in every reviewed eating pattern. A 2019 meta-analysis⁴ of 9 total observational studies (307, 099 total participants) across North America, Europe, and Asia found that greater adherence to a plant-based diet was inversely associated with risk with diabetes, and this risk was further reduced when considering diet quality. In this study, it is essential to note that, when studies were combined, even the highest category of adherence to plant-based dietary patterns still included about 1.6-4 servings of animal-based foods per day; this may be from fish, dairy, meat, or poultry.⁴

Comparison Study: A 2024 cross-sectional study⁵ completed in Germany compared vegans, flexitarians (up to 50 grams of meat or processed meat products per day), and omnivores (>170 grams/day of meat and processed meat consumption). The vegan diet was associated with the most significant benefits to cardiovascular health; however, metabolic syndrome score and arterial stiffness were more favorable in flexitarians than in other groups. The vegan and flexitarian diets were associated with lower blood lipids, reduced insulin resistance, and a higher diet quality index than the Omnivore diet. Dietary intakes of soft drinks, dairy products, sweets, meat, and processed meat were all associated with higher total and LDL cholesterol levels and Metabolic syndrome scores. However, regarding how the study categorizes food groups, we are unsure if the type of meat or dairy would have changed these outcomes. Simple categories of plant-based or omnivore may not fully explain the synergy of health impacts from diet intake.

What are Americans eating now? 

Transitional dietary approaches that emphasize foods primarily from plants while also including animal foods may be a more realistic approach for many people. Despite the increasing interest in plant-based diets and a 54% growth in 2023 of plant-based product sales in the US market, only about 4% of Americans follow a vegetarian diet. Data from a recent March 2023 publication⁷ compared average consumption from 17 food categories to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations. Many categories fell short, with only refined grains, added sugars, proteins, and nuts, seeds, and soy meeting or exceeding the guidelines. There is a need for an overall shift in diet to improve the intake of foods touted as beneficial within plant-based diets. 

Barriers to implementing a plant-based diet include lack of knowledge, cultural acceptability, and cost.⁷

Like JR, many people may need to learn what it means to follow a plant-based diet. Understanding the individual’s interest, discussing the range of definitions and outcomes, and emphasizing transitional dietary changes could empower change.

• All-or-nothing thinking can hinder change; reducing total meat consumption while focusing on other aspects of diet quality (reduced refined grains or sugar) can also provide health benefits.
• JR motivations, interests and other clinical conditions will direct our recommendations. He reports that he has never tried “vegan foods.” Reviewing with JR the food choices he is making that fit within the plant-based diet, discussing meal modifications, and providing new recipes may support confidence while exploring new flavors and dietary changes. (Check out the resource list for recipe ideas).
• Cost is another barrier that we must take into consideration. The 2023 article in Nutrients⁵ reported that consumption of “healthier” versus “less healthy” diets had a higher price difference per person than typical dietary patterns. Low-cost empty-calorie foods explained much of this cost difference and not necessarily animal-based proteins. Finding affordable food items can improve diet implementation.
• One suggested alternative is incorporating recipes that include frozen fruits and vegetables, bulk grains, and dried or canned beans which can have a lower cost per calorie than meat-based foods.

The benefits of plant-based diets are well known, and future research is needed to examine different plant-based diet variations, combinations of foods, and degrees that are most beneficial and achievable. The 2024 American Diabetes Association Standards of Care emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dietary recommendations, and we need to individualize our recommendations based on cultural background, personal preferences, co-occurring conditions, and socioeconomics. They recommend “food-based dietary patterns should emphasize key nutrition principles: inclusion of non-starchy vegetables, whole fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts/seeds and low-fat dairy products and minimizing consumption of meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets, refined grains, and ultra-processed foods.”⁸

Strategies to Increase Plant Food Intake

We can support persons with diabetes and JR by asking questions and being curious.

• “Tell me what interests you in a plant-based diet?”
• “What is your current diet intake, and what modifications are realistic for you now?”
• “Are you interested in modifying the types of foods you are consuming and learning about incorporating more plant-based food choices?”.

Based on JR’s response, we can confidently support a dietary pattern that is vegan, vegetarian, or a more flexible nutritional pattern that focuses on nutrient density and food quality.

Blog contributed by nutrition expert Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES

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References:

1. Sabrina Schlesinger; Diet and Diabetes Prevention: Is a Plant-Based Diet the Solution?. Diabetes Care 2 January 2023; 46 (1): 6–8.

2. Alison B. Evert, Michelle Dennison, Christopher D. Gardner, W. Timothy Garvey, Ka Hei Karen Lau, Janice MacLeod, Joanna Mitri, Raquel F. Pereira, Kelly Rawlings, Shamera Robinson, Laura Saslow, Sacha Uelmen, Patricia B. Urbanski, William S. Yancy; Nutrition Therapy for Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care 1 May 2019; 42 (5): 731–754

3. Lee Y, Park K. Adherence to a Vegetarian Diet and Diabetes Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients. 2017 Jun 14;9(6):603.

4. Qian F, Liu G, Hu FB, Bhupathiraju SN, Sun Q. Association Between Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2019;179(10):1335–1344.

5. Bruns, A., Greupner, T., Nebl, J., & Hahn, A. (2024). Plant-based diets and cardiovascular risk factors: a comparison of flexitarians, vegans and omnivores in a cross-sectional study. BMC Nutrition

6. U.S. consumers’ eating patterns differ from Federal recommendations downloaded on 2/14/2023 fromhttps://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/gallery/chart-detail/?chartId=106562.

7. Viroli G, Kalmpourtzidou A, Cena H. Exploring Benefits and Barriers of Plant-Based Diets: Health, Environmental Impact, Food Accessibility and Acceptability. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 8;15(22):4723.

8. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S77–S110. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S005

Checkout these websites with more information:

• • Diabetes and Nutrition Support Services Newsletter and Recipes »

• • Carbohydrate Factors; A Precise for Method for Meal Planning  » an incisive article by a leader in nutrition therapy, Dana Armstrong, RD, CDCES.  Dana describes an easy and accurate method for determining carbohydrate content of food beyond label reading.  (do we use this anymore?)

• •  Diabetes and Diet:  Food can be powerful in preventing and reversing diabetes. However, dietary approaches have changed as we have learned more about the disease. Published by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

• • Plant-based nutrition for healthcare professionals: implementing diet as a primary modality in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.  

• •  Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets

• • American Diabetes Association: Vegan Meal Planning: 

• • Low Fat Vegan Diet Improves Glycemia and CV Risk in Type 2 Diabetes » Diabetes Care 2006

• • Plant Based Cooking Demo – Recipes » 

• • Plant-based diet may benefit patients with diabetes – Smart Brief: Plant-based food articles (update title)

• • Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets » Philip J Tuso, MD; Mohamed h Ismail, MD; Benjamin P ha, MD; Carole Bartolotto, Ma, RD Perm J 2013 Spring;17(2):61-66

• • Preparing to Prescribe Plant-Based Diets for Diabetes Prevention and Treatment » Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Plant-based eating patterns combined with exercise have been found to improve diabetes control and reduce the need for medication in intervention trials as far back as 1976.

• • Vegetarian Starter Kit an easy to read and colorful handout for patients interested in learning more about a vegetarian diet. Published by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

• • Vegan Cooking – Lose the Eggs, Milk and Butter>> This article outlines vegan cooking using flax seed, tofu, soy yogurt, Ener-g egg replacer and bananas.

• • Meatless Monday Campaign – https://www.mondaycampaigns.org/meatless-monday

• • Fruits and Veggies: 

• • VegWeb: https://vegweb.com/recipes/

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Videos

• • Dr. Michael Greger’s:  Uprooting the Leading Causes of Death »

• • Forks Over Knives » feature film which examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods (available on Netflix).

• • Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn:  Treating the Cause to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease  »

• • NutritionFacts.org: Plant based diets

• • Reversing Diabetes » by Neal Barnard (move this up to here, it is a video)

• • Engine 2 Diet » by Rip Esselstyn (this is also a video)

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Reading

• • The China Study » The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health by T. Colin Campbell

• • Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition » by T. Colin Campbell

• • Breaking the Food Seduction » by Neal Barnard

• • The Pleasure Trap: Mastering the Hidden Force that Undermines Health & Happiness » by Doug Lisle

• • The Cancer Survivor’s Guide  » a comprehensive text on the scientific link between diet and cancer, the benefits of a plant-based diet, including nutrition information, and more than 130 easy and delicious recipes.  (free) 

• • Veggie Nice Recipe Book >> Veggie Nice gives you a month’s worth of meatless main-dish recipes. 

• • Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Guide for Families by Reshmah Shah, MD MPH and Brenda Davis, RD 

• • Plant-Based Nutrition: The Idiot’s Guide

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Website Resources

• • Food for Life, a community based nutrition education and cooking class program »

• • Dr. John McDougall based in Santa Rosa, California » (has a great newsletter)

• • Vegetarian Starter Kit (English and Spanish) » whys and how’s of a healthier diet, the New Four Food Groups guidelines, practical tips for beginning a vegetarian diet, and delicious low-fat, no-cholesterol recipes. This has been updated per above.

• • Nutrition MD – Recipes, resources and nutrition tips »

• • Plant Based Plate Method » Physicians for Responsible Medicine version of the USDA “Plate Method” which includes low fat, plant-based foods.

• • The Vegetarian Resource Group: https://www.vrg.org

• • Food and Plant: Planetary Diet Resources https://foodandplanet.org/

• • Plant-based prevention of disease organization: https://www.preventionofdisease.org/
  • Plant Based Eating Resource Page 
  •  

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Take Education Courses

• • Nutrition Therapy and Exercise

• • PCRM Nutrition CME (free CMEs)

• • Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, provided by eCornell.

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Menus and Recipes

Menu Planning – 

• • 21 Days of Menus »

• • Recipes:  Week 1 »

• • Recipes:  Week 2 »

• • Recipes: Week 3 >>

• • Lainey’s Best Black Bean and Corn Salad »

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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession! 

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.

Happy March

We are honored to highlight the significant impact RDNs have on individuals, communities, and society as a whole by promoting healthy eating habits, preventing disease, and improving our overall quality of life by encouraging us to eat a rainbow of foods filled with fiber and phytonutrients.

In this newsletter, we explore different types of plant-based diets and recognize that accumulating evidence supports the benefits of this approach, including the prevention of type 2 diabetes. We include lots of additional resources to explore and share.

Next, Coach Beverly shares a personal story about confronting weight stigma during a provider visit. She asks readers to raise awareness in their settings and advocate for weight-inclusive and respectful care for each individual.

We share Mohammed Ali’s “Recipe for Life” as we consider including this recipe and all of its’ ingredients in our daily lives.

Our guest contributor, Nick Kundrant, provides insights into the transformative power of a positive mindset based on his book, “Positively Type 1”. His message of empathy, resilience, and a holistic approach to health care is inspiring, Thanks, Nick!

Finally, we are excited to announce our “Connect with Coach Beverly” live Facebook event on March 13th! Test your knowledge with our nutrition-inspired Questions and Rationales of the Week!

Sending notes of joy and health,

Coach Beverly and Bryanna

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Featured Articles

• Plant Based Eating – What Approach is Best?
• Untangling Weight Stigma at Medical Appts
• Recipe for Life
• Coach Beverly Connects – Airs March 13th
• Positively Type 1 – Guest Blog by Nick Kundrat
• Question of the Week
• Rationale of the Week

Upcoming Webinars

• Behavior Change Theories Made Easy – March 20
• Prep for CDCES – March 21
• Microvascular Disease – Reducing Risk on April 11th
• Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes – April 13
• Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – April 17-19
• ReVive 5 – May 22nd & 29th
• Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing

Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing

Free Resource Catalog

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Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Join us Live on April 17th – 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM PST

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, and “aha” moments for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 17th – 19th, 2024.

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a refreshed understanding of the latest advances in person-centered diabetes care.  Our team highlights the ADA Standards of Care, medications, behavior change, technology, medical nutrition therapy, and more!

Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively. 

Friend Discount: 3 or more only $449 per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!

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Program Details

• Dates: April 17-19th, 2024
• Registration Fee: $399-$569 (see more about reg. options below)
• Friend Discount: For 3 or more people, each person saves $50 off their registration. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
• CEs: 30+ CEs | 18 units for Virtual Conference plus 10+ Bonus CEs. CEs can be applied toward CDCES’s initial application or renewal.
• Speakers: View Conference Faculty
• Conference Schedule >
• Conference Flyer >

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Click Here for Registration Options 

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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession! 

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.

Happy February

In recognition of these daily contributions of diabetes care and education specialists, we are excited to announce our “Spreading the Love” Sale during the week of Valentine’s Day. Enjoy 15% off all our online courses, including program extensions. 

This month’s newsletter includes a breaking post on the most significant change to the CDCES Exam in the past 30 years (besides moving to computer testing from scantrons). We also explore how chronotype can impact glucose levels and disease risk.

As our company continues to flourish, we have expanded our team to maintain top-tier customer service. We are delighted to introduce our new customer advocate, Brent McMenomey. If you call in, you might catch his cheerful voice on the other end of the phone. In addition, he will be helping Bryanna answer chat questions and emails. Welcome Brent!

We provide two rationales of the month based on the ADA Standards. We decided to post these questions with the rationales to include additional insights into the new and updated guidelines.

As part of our commitment to foster inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, we are offering FIVE “Making a Difference” Scholarships for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Course on April 17-19th. Thank you in advance for considering applying and sharing with your colleagues.

In the next few weeks, you will notice updates on our homepage that will make navigation and finding your favorite resources easier. Plus, we will be popping in some new informational videos.

With love and appreciation,

Coach Beverly and Bryanna

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Featured Articles

• Understanding Chronotype to Help with Glucose
• CDCES Exam – Big Changes Kick off in July
• Virtual Conference Scholarships Available
• Welcome Brent – Customer Advocate
• Rationale of the Week #1
• Rationale of the Week #2

FREE Webinars & Resources

• 15% Off All Online Courses – Starts Today
• Prep for BC-ADM Feb 8th
• Virtual Conference April 17-19th
• ReVive 5 Training Program May 22 & 29

Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing

Free Resource Catalog

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Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Join us Live on April 17th – 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM PST

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, and “aha” moments for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 17th – 19th, 2024.

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a refreshed understanding of the latest advances in person-centered diabetes care.  Our team highlights the ADA Standards of Care, medications, behavior change, technology, medical nutrition therapy, and more!

Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively. 

Friend Discount: 3 or more only $449 per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!

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Program Details

• Dates: April 17-19th, 2024
• Registration Fee: $399-$569 (see more about reg. options below)
• Friend Discount: For 3 or more people, each person saves $50 off their registration. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
• CEs: 30+ CEs | 18 units for Virtual Conference plus 10+ Bonus CEs. CEs can be applied toward CDCES’s initial application or renewal.
• Speakers: View Conference Faculty
• Conference Schedule >
• Conference Flyer >

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Click Here for Registration Options 

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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession! 

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.

Happy January

This first 2024 newsletter features the updated risk screening guidelines and immunization recommendations. We share our library of Cheat Sheets that integrate the new Standards and are ready to download and share with your colleagues and people living with diabetes alike.

For those taking the CDCES exam, we highlight updated information about practice requirements and blackout periods. Plus, we answer the most commonly asked question about the CDCES in our blog.

We invite you to read our interview with Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, nutrition expert, and winner of the 2023 Impact Award. As the newest member of our team, We are excited to integrate her fresh perspective and breadth of knowledge into our blogs, questions of the week, and online presentations.

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 and Level 3 Boot Camp Course Series in February. We hope to see you there!

Here is to a 2024 filled with self-compassion and moments of awe.

Coach Beverly and Bryanna

Featured Articles

• 2024 Standards Cheat Sheets Screening & Vaccine Updates
• Most Commonly Asked Question in January
• CDCES Exam Updates
• Meet Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
• Question of the Week
• Rationale of the Week
• Free Resource Catalog

FREE Webinars & Resources

• FREE Test Taking Practice – Jan 9th
• FREE CDCES Prep – Jan 24th
• Level 1, 2024 Updates
• Level 3, 2024 Updates
• Virtual Conference April 17-19th
• ReVive 5 Training Program

Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing

Free Resource Catalog

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Test-Taking Toolkit

Airs live on January 9th, 2024, at 11:30 am PT

This course facilitated by Coach Beverly will help you transform your nervousness into focused energy that will help you succeed. She will provide test taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times. She will explain how to dissect the question, eliminate wrong answers, and avoid getting lured in by juicy answers.

Plus, the Test Taking Toolkit provides you over 220+ sample practice online practice questions, simulating the exam experience. A perfect way to assess your knowledge and create a focused study plan, while increasing your test taking confidence.

This Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit is designed to prepare you for exam success. This Webinar includes:

• 90 minute On-Demand course, where Coach Beverly details the content of the exam and test taking tips. Plus, Coach Beverly reviews a sampling of the questions and explains how to dissect the question, eliminate the wrong answers and avoid getting lured in by juicy answers.
• 220 questions in total divided into Four 50+ computerized quizzes.  These quizzes include clinical practice exam questions that provide vignette-style situations and other critical content that will prepare you for the actual exam.

Intended Audience: These courses are knowledge-based activities designed for individual or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in preparing for Certification Exam Success!

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

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, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

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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!

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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession! 

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.

We had such a great time celebrating 25 years with all of you.

The first highlight of the year was connecting with colleagues at ADCES in Houston. It was like attending a family reunion with thousands of like-minded individuals. So many enthusiastic colleagues stopped me mid-stride to share the news of passing their CDCES or BC-ADM after attending our courses. Many hugs were shared, and there were plenty of tears of joy, too! As a diabetes education veteran, it was a special honor to present one of my passion topics, Revitalizing Your Diabetes Program. As part of my legacy education topics, this presentation is culled from my 30 years of working in the field and braving new approaches, sometimes failing but always moving forward with a clear focus on improving the care received by people with diabetes. Nothing is like the profound connection made with others in a shared community.

We also celebrated our 25th company anniversary for the entire year. Activities included lots of free webinars, new swag, and great sales. 

I started Diabetes Education Services in May of 1998, just after the World Wide Web was introduced, and sending messages through something called “email” was possible. At first, my one-person company only offered live courses at hospitals and meeting sites nationwide. My administrative space consisted of a 10×12 foot room in our home, where I juggled writing my monthly newsletter and updating slides while raising two busy toddlers. In 2010, I took a leap of faith and decided to try offering courses online.

Fast forward to today. Our business has grown to include a fantastic team and a newsletter reaching over 40,000 online subscribers. Our Online University includes over 50 CE courses that we update yearly, plus we offer a CDCES Coach app, blogs, an 8-sided PocketCard, keynote presentations, and more. This year, we held our three day DiabetesEd Course in San Diego and celebrated with a beautiful ocean view, special friends and delicious carrot cake topped with a 25 year candle.

Family celebrations.

My husband and I became empty nesters this year. Our oldest son is a senior at SMU and will graduate with his finance degree in May. Our youngest son is kicking off his chemistry degree at UC Berkeley. I miss the daily bustle and commotion of having my boys around, but I am overjoyed that they have found their place in this world and are boldly moving into adulthood. Of course, I can’t wait till they come home for the holidays so we can play cards, tell stories, and hang out together.

We also celebrated 25 years of marriage. My husband, Kristapor, continues his work as a critical care pharmacist at our local community hospital saving lives and advocating for best care at every turn. At the risk of sounding corny, my husband has been the wind beneath my wings. Having him as my partner throughout this life journey has given me a foundation of trust and love to take risks and live my dream. I am forever grateful that I commented on his cute tie when we worked together at Stanford hospital in 1996. The rest is history.

The truth is, we couldn’t have done any of this without all of YOU, our community. 

I am forever grateful for your willingness to support and believe in a young Diabetes Specialist who had the vision to create a company that uplifted people with diabetes through a blend of science and compassion.

Thanks to our dedicated community of diabetes educators and advocates for celebrating our 25th Anniversary with us. Stay tuned. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

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Join us for our 2024 Diabetes Fundamentals | Level 1 Updates

Airs live from January 11, 2024, to January 30, 2024, at 11:30 am PST

This series is designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in getting started in diabetes education and for those actively working toward becoming a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Each course in this series provides the critical building blocks and foundation for those entering the diabetes field.

Diabetes Fundamentals Sessions 2024 Webinar Updates

All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

1. January 11, 2024 – Class 1: Getting to the Nitty Gritty | 1.5 CEs
2. January 16, 2024 – Class 2: Nutrition & Exercise 1.5 | CEs
3. January 18, 2024 – Class 3: Meds Overview for Type 2 | 1.5 CEs
4. January 23, 2024 – Class 4: Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management | 1.75 CEs
5. January 25, 2024 –Class 5: Goals of Care & Lower Extremity Assessment | 1.5 CEs
6. January 30, 2024 – Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, & Monitoring | 1.5 CEs

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

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, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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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!

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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.