Question of the Week | T1D and Artificial Sweeteners: Safe Limits
Sam is a 28-year-old with type 1 diabetes who reports drinking six diet sodas per day,
believing they help manage blood glucose. Sam asks if this is safe or if they should
reduce consumption. What would be an appropriate response based on the 2025 ADA
Standards of Care?
- You should avoid diet soda and all non-nutritive sweeteners because they’re linked to cancer and heart disease.
- Diet sodas are completely safe, so there’s no reason to change your intake.
- While non-nutritive sweeteners are FDA-approved, let’s discuss your current intake concerns, and whether unsweetened beverages may be a better option.
- Switch to natural sugars like honey or agave syrup since they are healthier than artificial sweeteners.
Want to learn more about this question?
This four-hour course highlights the latest ADA evidence-based nutrition and exercise guidelines. Our nutrition expert, Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, provides strategies to apply this important information to individuals living with diabetes. She includes in-depth discussions on different approaches to person-centered meal planning and the benefits and limitations of each. If you are getting ready to take your diabetes certification exam, this course provides essential content for exam success.
Topics addressed by Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
-Medical Nutrition Therapy Updates and Critical Content
-Describe person-centered nutrition issues based on assessment and clinic data.
-Explore national guidelines for medical nutrition therapy and how to individualize interventions from a person-centered perspective.
-State how to customize nutritional approaches in people living with complications of diabetes.
-How to Eat by the Numbers and Meal Planning Approaches
-Describe the impact of micro and macronutrients on health.
-List different meal planning approaches and the pros and cons of each.
-Describe how to help people with diabetes to read labels and be thoughtful consumers.
-Keeping Well Through Activity and Nutrition
-Describe activity benefits, precautions, and recommendations
Fee: $69.00/ 4.25 CEs
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | CGM Timing After Type 1 Diagnosis
JT, a 17-year-old recently hospitalized with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, is using Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) therapy. JT uses fingerstick blood glucose monitoring but wants to move to a CGM. JT’s mother wants to know how long fingerstick monitoring must be used before a CGM can be started. According to the ADA 2025 Standards of Care, when can a CGM be initiated after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis?
- CGM is to be initiated when an individual with type 1 diabetes does not meet glycemic targets.
- CGM is to be initiated only when an individual with type 1 diabetes is started on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy.
- CGM can be initiated when an individual with type 1 diabetes is ready and able, and the individual or caregiver has been educated on its use, even at diagnosis.
- CGM is to be initiated when an individual with type 1 diabetes is over the age of 18.
Tech Data Toolkit – Recorded and Ready to Watch!
Gain confidence in interpreting the Glucose Profile Report (AGP) & CGM data using a
person-centered approach
As diabetes technology is becoming commonplace in our practice, figuring out how to make sense of all the data can seem overwhelming. Join Diana Issacs and Coach Beverly for a truly unique learning experience.
Topics include:
- Review CGM key metrics and individualize time in-range goals
- Learn how to recognize patterns with the AGP report efficiently
- Utilize the AGP report as a discussion guide when meeting with a person with diabetes
- Recommend lifestyle and medication adjustments based on CGM data
- Strategies to recognize the expertise of the individual and collaborate on person-centered problem solving.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | DKA Prevention After T1D Diagnosis?
A 10-year-old child with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes is being discharged from the hospital. Which of the following components is most critical to include in the initial outpatient diabetes management plan to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hospital readmission?
- Initiate basal insulin therapy and MNT instruction, with follow-up in two weeks.
- Provide basic carbohydrate counting and bolus insulin instruction with a follow-up appointment within 30 days.
- Establish follow up with a specialist within a week and provide actions to take in case of glucose emergencies.
- Prescribe continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and glucagon rescue medication and ask family to schedule a follow-up appointment after the sensor is delivered and set up.
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on June 12th
From Tots To Teens
Level 2 Course!
This online course is included in: Level 2 – Standards of Care. Purchase this course individually for $29 or enroll in the entire bundle and save 45% (discount already applied).
Diabetes Education Services Online University Courses are an excellent way to study for your exam anytime and anywhere that is convenient for you. You will have immediate access to your courses for 1 year after your purchase date. Each online course includes a: video presentation, podcast, practice test, and additional resources.
This course includes updated goals & guidelines for children living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This course discusses the special issues diabetes educators need to be aware of when working with children with diabetes & their families. We discuss the clinical presentation of diabetes, goals of care, & normal growth & development through the early years through adolescence. Strategies to prevent acute & long-term complications are included with an emphasis on positive coping for families & children with diabetes.
Objectives:
- Discuss the goals of care for Type 1 and Type 2 Kids with Diabetes.
- State Strategies to prevent acute and chronic complications.
- Discuss the importance of positive psychosocial adjustment & resources.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | ADA 2025: Which MNT Statement Is False?
According to the 2025 ADA Standards of Care, which of the following statements about medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for adults with type 2 diabetes is NOT TRUE?
- A low-carbohydrate diet eating pattern of <26% of calories from carbohydrates can lead to a reduction in A1c.
- Nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can result in A1C reductions of up to 0.5%.
- Individualized nutrition therapy begins at diagnosis.
- A Mediterranean eating pattern can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular disease events.
Want to learn more about this question?
This four-hour course highlights the latest ADA evidence-based nutrition and exercise guidelines. Our nutrition expert, Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, provides strategies to apply this important information to individuals living with diabetes. She includes in-depth discussions on different approaches to person-centered meal planning and the benefits and limitations of each. If you are getting ready to take your diabetes certification exam, this course provides essential content for exam success.
Topics addressed by Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
-Medical Nutrition Therapy Updates and Critical Content
-Describe person-centered nutrition issues based on assessment and clinic data.
-Explore national guidelines for medical nutrition therapy and how to individualize interventions from a person-centered perspective.
-State how to customize nutritional approaches in people living with complications of diabetes.
-How to Eat by the Numbers and Meal Planning Approaches
-Describe the impact of micro and macronutrients on health.
-List different meal planning approaches and the pros and cons of each.
-Describe how to help people with diabetes to read labels and be thoughtful consumers.
-Keeping Well Through Activity and Nutrition
-Describe activity benefits, precautions, and recommendations
Fee: $69.00/ 4.25 CEs
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | How much do you know about Coach Bev?
Each month, we’ll test your knowledge with fun questions about Coach Beverly! She’s been a leader in diabetes education for over 25 years—but how did her journey begin, and what shaped her philosophy?
Quiz Time!
Which early job taught Coach Beverly the value of loving your work and providing excellent service?
- Working as a monitor technician at a community hospital.
- Volunteering at a convalescent hospital after school.
- Showing up at Ying’s Kitchen Chinese Food Restaurant.
- Babysitting a family of six kids during the summer.
Question of the Week | Decoding AGP Report – Test Your Knowledge
AJ asks you why their blood glucose levels are “all over the place”. When you look at the AGP, you notice the coefficient of variation is 26%. What is the best response?
- Even though your coefficient of variation is above target, we can work to bring that down.
- It seems like you are making a big effort keep your glucose in target range.
- Given your glucose fluctuations, we may need to intensify your medication regimen.
- With some small changes in lifestyle activities, I am sure you can make improvements.
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on May 8th & May 15th
Tech Data Toolkit!
Gain confidence in interpreting Glucose Profile Report (AGP) & CGM data using a person-centered approach! Earn 4.0 CEs
If you are preparing for certification exams or want to up your game using CGM data to improve outcomes, this course is for you.
We still have room available for the May 8th kick off date.
Save 20% – Use code Bloom20 at checkout!
Join us live for this unique learning experience.
Session 1 – May 8th
with Beverly Thomassian at 11:30am to 12:30pm PST
Session 2 – May 15th
with Dr. Diana Isaacs at 11:30am to 2:30pm PST
Gain confidence in interpreting Glucose Profile Report (AGP) & CGM data using a person-centered approach.
As diabetes technology is becoming commonplace in our practice, figuring out how to make sense of all the data can seem overwhelming. Join Diana Issacs and Coach Beverly for a truly unique learning experience.
Dr. Isaacs has a special knack for breaking down the essential elements of the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) report to provide participants with a clear road map for data interpretation. She includes many sample practice cases utilizing CGM data for various types of people with diabetes including type 2 and people with type 1 not on pumps.
Coach Beverly will build on Dr. Isaacs’ presentation and switch the focus to the person living with diabetes. Using a case study approach, she will provide strategies to integrate the AGP with person-centered care that empowers individuals to experience increased confidence in their diabetes self-management.
By attending this interactive workshop, participants will become more confident in interpreting the AGP and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data and determining needed medication and lifestyle adjustments with a person-centered approach.
Topics include:
Review CGM key metrics and individualize time in-range goals
Learn how to recognize patterns with the AGP report efficiently
Utilize the AGP report as a discussion guide when meeting with a person with diabetes
Recommend lifestyle and medication adjustments based on CGM data
Strategies to recognize the expertise of the individual and collaborate on person-centered problem solving.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | Best technique to assess Protective Sensation in feet?
Which of the following best describes the proper technique for using a 10-gram monofilament to assess protective sensation in a person with diabetes?
- Press the monofilament firmly against the skin until it bows for at least 2 seconds, then ask if the person if they feel pressure.
- Stroke the monofilament across the skin surface to assess for light touch sensation.
- Apply the monofilament to the dorsal surface on random sites without informing the individual when contact is made.
- Press the monofilament until it bends into a “C” shape at selected sites, holding for about 1 second before lifting.
Want to learn more about this question and get ready for certification exam success?
Join us live on April 29th for our
Lower Extremity Assessment
Level 2
Can’t make it live? Don’t worry – you have access to the recorded version for a year after purchase!
People with diabetes are at increased risk of Lower Extremity Complications. This course reviews the steps involved in performing a detailed assessment of the lower extremities, including how to use a monofilament and tuning fork to detect neuropathy. We also discuss the significance of the Ankle Brachial Index and strategies to prevent lower extremity complications.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | Best treatment for Diabetes + Heart Disease?
BT has a history of stroke and new diagnosis of diabetes with an A1C of 6.9%.
Which of following treatment strategies is most appropriate for a person with new type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
- Start metformin and limit other meds to determine glucose response.
- Initiate lifestyle changes plus a statin and re-evaluate A1C in 3 months.
- Make sure BT is taking both an ACE and an ARB to reduce CV risk.
- Start a GLP-1 RA or SGLT2 with proven cardiovascular benefit.
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on April 24th, 2025 for our
Cardiovascular Disease & Risk Management
Level 2: ADA Standards
This course is included in: Level 2 – Standards of Care. Purchase this course individually for $29 or enroll in the entire bundle and save 45% (discount already applied).
Diabetes Education Services Online University Courses are an excellent way to study for your exam anytime and anywhere that is convenient for you. You will have immediate access to your courses for 1 year after your purchase date. Each online course includes a: video presentation, podcast, practice test, and additional resources.
We discuss insulin resistance and the impact of hyperglycemia of vessel disease from the heart to the toes. Included is a discussion of identifying & preventing cardiovascular disease & a comprehensive review of the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standard of Medical Care in Diabetes for heart disease.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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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