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Question of the Week | Diabetes Burnout Despite BG in Target?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

Jada, a 29-year-old with type 1 diabetes, tells you she’s feeling burned out and emotionally drained, despite maintaining a time in range above 70% for the past several months. She says, “I’m doing everything right, but I’m exhausted and don’t feel like myself lately.” You review her CGM data and see no major red flags. She denies any recent illnesses or major changes in insulin needs. What is the most appropriate next step?

  1. Celebrate her strong glucose metrics and encourage her to stick with the same plan, reassuring her that she’s doing well.
  2. Recommend scheduling an appointment with her endocrinologist to reevaluate her insulin doses and technology settings.
  3. Acknowledge her experience and assess for emotional burnout, stressors, or imbalances in her lifestyle that could be contributing to her fatigue.
  4. Increase the frequency of data sharing and remote monitoring to help identify subtle trends and reduce her self-management burden.

Want to learn more about this question?

Join us live on July 24th, 2025, at 11:30 am PST to watch our brand new webinar, Beyond Blood Glucose: Empowering Health Through a Holistic Lens by Nick Kundrat, BS, CEP, CDCES, LMT

Despite the rise of cutting-edge diabetes technologies and therapeutics, many people with diabetes still struggle with fatigue, blood glucose swings, and burnout. Why? Because we’re often so focused on managing diabetes itself that we often forget to take care of the human being who lives with it.

Join Nick Kundrat, BS, CEP, CDCES, LMT and Integrative Health Practitioner, for an engaging webinar where he simplifies the often-misunderstood world of holistic health. You’ll learn practical, accessible strategies to begin thinking more holistically and discover simple, effective tools that enhance conventional care and empower people with diabetes to thrive—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Drawing from over two decades of lived experience with type 1 diabetes and years of supporting clients in both clinical and holistic settings, Nick offers a unique perspective on diabetes care focused on the whole person. Through reconnecting with the foundational elements of health, which are often overlooked in conventional diabetes care, Nick aims to equip you with actionable strategies to help people with diabetes restore their energy, support their bodies, and thrive beyond diabetes.

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 Hormone Therapy Approach for T2D?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

Which statement accurately reflects current guidelines on hormone therapy (HT) in postmenopausal individuals with type 2 diabetes?

  1. Oral estrogen is preferred over transdermal forms due to better metabolic outcomes.
  2. Progesterone levels increase post-menopause, exacerbating insulin resistance.
  3. Transdermal estrogen may improve insulin sensitivity and carries a lower thrombotic risk compared to oral estrogen.
  4. Testosterone levels rise during menopause, leading to increased central adiposity.

Want to learn more about this question?

Join us live on August 27th for our

Level 5: Hot Flashes & Hyperglycemia: What Clinicians Need to Know 

Join us live on August 27th, 2025, at 11:30 am PST to watch our brand new webinar, Hot Flashes & Hyperglycemia: What Clinicians Need to Know by Dr. Jill Schramm, DNP, FNP-C, BC-ADM, CDCES

The intersection of menopause and diabetes is often underrecognized in clinical care, yet people with diabetes in menopausal transition face unique metabolic, hormonal, and lifestyle changes that can significantly impact glycemic control. This session explores the physiological shifts of menopause, the implications for insulin resistance, and evidence-based strategies for individualized care. Attendees will leave with practical guidance on hormone therapy, lifestyle management, and education tools to improve outcomes for people with diabetes navigating both diabetes and the menopausal transition.

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 | T1D and Artificial Sweeteners: Safe Limits

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

  1. You should avoid diet soda and all non-nutritive sweeteners because they’re linked to cancer and heart disease.
  2. Diet sodas are completely safe, so there’s no reason to change your intake.
  3. While non-nutritive sweeteners are FDA-approved, let’s discuss your current intake concerns, and whether unsweetened beverages may be a better option.
  4. 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

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

  1. CGM is to be initiated when an individual with type 1 diabetes does not meet glycemic targets.
  2. CGM is to be initiated only when an individual with type 1 diabetes is started on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy.
  3. 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.
  4. 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?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

  1. Initiate basal insulin therapy and MNT instruction, with follow-up in two weeks.
  2. Provide basic carbohydrate counting and bolus insulin instruction with a follow-up appointment within 30 days.
  3. Establish follow up with a specialist within a week and provide actions to take in case of glucose emergencies.
  4. 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:

  1. Discuss the goals of care for Type 1 and Type 2 Kids with Diabetes.
  2. State Strategies to prevent acute and chronic complications.
  3. 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?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

  1. A low-carbohydrate diet eating pattern of <26% of calories from carbohydrates can lead to a reduction in A1c.
  2. Nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can result in A1C reductions of up to 0.5%.
  3. Individualized nutrition therapy begins at diagnosis.
  4. 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?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

  1. Working as a monitor technician at a community hospital.
  2. Volunteering at a convalescent hospital after school.
  3. Showing up at Ying’s Kitchen Chinese Food Restaurant.
  4. Babysitting a family of six kids during the summer.

Question of the Week | Decoding AGP Report – Test Your Knowledge

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

  1. Even though your coefficient of variation is above target, we can work to bring that down.
  2. It seems like you are making a big effort keep your glucose in target range.
  3. Given your glucose fluctuations, we may need to intensify your medication regimen.
  4. 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.