Question of the Week | What Stage of Change?
BT was started on a GLP-1 and is losing weight. BT has read articles about the importance of strength training to maintain muscle. They ask you questions about whether using weights or resistance bands is better.
According to the transtheoretical model, what stage of change is BT in?
- Contemplation
- Acceptance
- Precontemplation
- Action
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on April 22nd, 2025 for our
Behavior Change Theories Made Easy
Keeping all the behavior change and learning theories straight can be daunting, especially if you are trying to get to the “best” answer for certification exams. Coach Beverly feels your pain and wants to help out. To say thanks for 25 years, she’s hosting a FREE Behavior Change Webinar to sort out and dissect the theories most relevant in clinical practice and for exam preparation.
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 | Sleep and ADA Recommendations
A 62-year-old with type 1 diabetes presents for their follow-up visit. They report struggling with fatigue, poor sleep quality, and difficulty with glucose management despite taking medications as prescribed. Upon review, you find their A1C is 7.6%, and their average nightly sleep duration is 4.5-6 hours per night.
Based on the 2025 ADA Standards of Care, which of the following interventions would be the most appropriate next step to address sleep and glucose management?
- Refer to a sleep study to evaluate for obstructive sleep apnea and adjust the medication regimen.
- Encourage engagement in vigorous evening exercise to promote better sleep.
- Screen sleep health and develop a plan to create consistent sleep routines and habits.
- Advise taking over-the-counter melatonin supplements to improve sleep quality.
Want to learn more about this question?
Ignite your passion & prepare for Diabetes Certification!
Join our Expert Team at our dynamic Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 16-18th, 2025
Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. Our expert team brings the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more! If you’re preparing for the CDCES or BC-ADM exam, this conference—paired with free bonus courses—serves as the ideal study companion!
With interactive co-teaching, we keep sessions engaging, relevant, and fun. Let’s learn and grow together!
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun! The faculty includes:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
- 3 Days: of critical information delivered by passionate speakers in an engaging and fun format!
- 11 Bonus Online Courses: As a course attendee, you automatically receive a bonus online course bundle of 11 online courses valued at over
Question of the Week | Remote Eye Screening Precautions
Retinal photography with remote reading by experts has great potential to provide screening services in areas where qualified eye care professionals are not readily available.
However, in person exams are still necessary in which of the following scenarios?
- If the retinal photos are of optimal quality.
- If abnormalities are detected.
- Immediately after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
- For those on long term aspirin therapy.
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on April 8th @ 11:30 am PST for our
Level 2 | Microvascular Complications, Prevention & Treatment | Eye, Kidney, Nerve Disease
This course provides the need-to-know information regarding the microvascular complications of diabetes. It includes a brief overview of pathophysiology & clinical manifestations along with prevention strategies & screening guidelines. This straightforward program will provide participants with the information they can use in a clinical setting & also provides critical content for certification exams.
Question of the Week | Who Benefits Most from Mindful Eating as a Primary Strategy? by Evgeniya Evans, MS, RDN, CDCES
Mindful eating can support diabetes management in various ways.
For which of the following individuals would mindful eating be most effective as a primary strategy rather than a complementary approach?
- A 46-year-old male with type 1 diabetes on a fixed carbohydrate meal plan.
- A 30-year-old pregnant female recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
- A clinically underweight 77-year-old female with pre-diabetes and osteoporosis on a high-protein, high-calcium diet.
- A 28-year-old female with type 2 diabetes, a BMI of 35, and a history of disordered eating
Want to learn more about this question?
Enroll in our upcoming webinar led by Evgeniya Evans, MS, RDN, CDCES
Mindful Eating for Successful Diabetes Management
Join us live on June 11, 2025, at 11:30 am PST
This engaging and practical webinar, developed by Evgeniya Evans, MS, RDN, CDCES, a positive psychology practitioner, is tailored explicitly for healthcare professionals including dietitians, diabetes care specialists, and providers.
Using evidence-based strategies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of incorporating mindfulness into the eating experience, including enhanced glycemic management, improved emotional well-being, and healthier eating behaviors. The webinar includes an overview of mindfulness and mindful eating strategies, such as engaging all five senses, recognizing hunger cues, addressing cravings, and using practical tools to create supportive eating environments.
Participants will also learn how to adapt these approaches to diverse populations and the unique needs of individuals. Join us to deepen your expertise, participate in insightful discussions, and empower individuals to cultivate sustainable, positive relationships with food while achieving long-term health goals.
Course topics:
- Introduction to the concept and benefits of mindful eating for individuals with diabetes
- Overview of key strategies for mindful eating
- Practical tools for incorporating mindful eating into professional practice (of Diabetes Educators)
- Cultural and individual adaptations of the mindful eating approach
Instructor: Evgeniya Evans, MS, RDN, CDCES
Evgeniya Evans, MAPP, RDN, LDN, CDCES, specializes in chronic disease prevention, diabetes management, and women’s health. Her unique approach integrates mindfulness-based nutrition and positive psychology, creating transformative impacts on her patients’ health and well-being.
Evgeniya’s academic journey reflects her dedication to lifelong learning and her holistic understanding of nutrition and health. She began with four years of Sociology studies at Omsk State University in Russia, followed by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Illinois Chicago. She furthered her expertise with a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. This diverse educational foundation allows her to address the socio-psychological factors that influence dietary behaviors and deliver a well-rounded approach to patient care.
At Cook County Health’s Diabetes Clinic within the Endocrinology Department, Evgeniya provides medically tailored nutrition therapy and culturally sensitive counseling. She works with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds, guiding them through their unique health challenges with compassion and precision. Her dedication to creating personalized, sustainable dietary strategies highlights her commitment to promoting long-term health and vitality for her patients.
In addition to her clinical practice, Evgeniya is a passionate educator. She teaches several classes at her clinic, including Pillars of Diabetes Management with Lifestyle, Nutrition for Health and Vitality, and The Art of Mindful Eating. Her emphasis on education underscores her belief in the transformative power of fostering a healthy, enjoyable lifestyle supported by mindful eating and a positive mindset.
Evgeniya envisions a world where individuals are free from the struggles of dieting and food-related shame. She dreams of a future where no one feels deprecated by their appearance or food choices, and everyone enjoys the vitality and health to pursue their dreams. She is devoted to fostering vibrant, authentic lives where cooking, eating, and sharing meals with loved ones are sources of joy, love, and positive connection.
Question of the Week – Weight-Inclusive Diabetes Care
How does weight-inclusive care improve clinical outcomes in diabetes management?
- It eliminates weight stigma, leading to better engagement and collaboration.
- It reduces A1C only in individuals who experience weight loss.
- It leads to greater weight loss, which is the key factor in diabetes management.
- It removes the need for lifestyle modifications and focuses only on medication.
by Jessica Jones, MS, RD, CDCES, CEO and Co-founder of Diabetes Digital, a virtual nutrition counseling platform for people with diabetes and prediabetes
Want to learn more about this question?
Enroll in our upcoming webinar led by Jessica Jones, MS, RD, CDCES
Weight-Inclusive Diabetes Care: Turning Compassion into Practical Tools
Join us live on June 5, 2025, at 11:30 am PST
This session provides healthcare providers with actionable strategies to integrate weight-inclusive care into diabetes management practices, focusing on improving outcomes through respect for body diversity and individual autonomy. Weight stigma is a well-documented barrier to effective care, contributing to poorer glycemic control, disordered eating, and care avoidance. By shifting from a weight-focused approach to one aligned with Health at Every Size (HAES®), providers can foster trust, enhance participant engagement, and support sustainable health behaviors.
Jessica Jones, MS, RD, CDCES, will share evidence-based insights on mitigating weight stigma and applying HAES-aligned strategies in practice. Participants will learn how to build rapport, set realistic nutrition goals, and implement interventions that prioritize blood sugar management, joyful movement, and intuitive eating. This session equips providers with tools to deliver compassionate, person-centered care, improving both clinical outcomes and the provider-participant relationship..
Course topics:
- Foundations of weight-inclusive diabetes care: overview and evidence
- Shifting perspectives: building trust and redefining success
- Practical tools for sustainable blood sugar management
Instructor: Jessica Jones, MS, RD, CDCES, CEO and Co-founder of Diabetes Digital
Jessica Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES, is a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist committed to making nutrition education accessible to everyone. As the CEO and co-founder of Diabetes Digital, Jessica has been pivotal in developing an innovative telehealth platform that provides tailored nutrition counseling for individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. Additionally, she co-hosts the Diabetes Digital Podcast, engaging listeners with thoughtful conversations on managing diabetes.
With over a decade of clinical experience, Jessica has contributed significantly to the field through her co-authorship of the “28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot” cookbook and “A Diabetes Guide to Enjoying the Foods of the World.” She also wrote the Diabetes Chapter for the Food and Nutrition Care Manual Textbook and regularly shares her insights as a columnist for SELF magazine.
As a co-founder of Food Heaven, an online platform and podcast with more than 5 million downloads, she offers essential resources on cooking, intuitive eating, and embracing body respect. Jessica’s contributions have been celebrated in prominent publications, including Oprah Magazine, Women’s Health, The Food Network Magazine, SELF Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Bon Appetit. She lives in Sacramento, CA with her husband and “spirited” Maltese Shih Tzu puppy, Poppy.
Question of the Week | Triglyceride Management
JT is 58-years-old and has type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and BMI is 32 kg/m². Medications include metformin, lisinopril, and atorvastatin. Diet intake includes frequent highly processed foods, sugary beverages, no alcohol consumption, and minimal physical activity. Recent lab work indicates A1c: 7.2%, LDL:82 mg/dL, HDL: 38 mg/dL, triglycerides: 345 mg/dL, AST/ALT were both normal.
Given these findings, what is the recommended first-line intervention for managing his elevated triglycerides according to the 2025 ADA Standards of Care?
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Lifestyle modification (nutrition, physical activity, and weight management)
- Start a Statin
- Start a Fenofibrate
Ignite your passion & prepare for Diabetes Certification!
Join our Expert Team at our dynamic Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 16-18th, 2025
Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. Our expert team brings the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more! If you’re preparing for the CDCES or BC-ADM exam, this conference—paired with free bonus courses—serves as the ideal study companion!
With interactive co-teaching, we keep sessions engaging, relevant, and fun. Let’s learn and grow together!
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun! The faculty includes:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
- 3 Days: of critical information delivered by passionate speakers in an engaging and fun format!
- 11 Bonus Online Courses: As a course attendee, you automatically receive a bonus online course bundle of 11 online courses valued at over
Question of the Week | Best approach: Fasting During Ramadan
JL observes Ramadan and fasts from sunrise to sunset. JL has type 2 diabetes and usually takes 4 units of bolus insulin three times a day with meals and 10 units of glargine (Rezvoglar) at bedtime.
What would be the best recommendation for JL?
- See if JL can get a note from your doctor to allow eating during the day.
- Take bolus insulin when JL eats a meal.
- Monitor urine ketones at least twice a day.
- Switch glargine to degludec to decrease risk of hypoglycemia.
Ignite your passion & prepare for Diabetes Certification!
Join our Expert Team at our dynamic Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 16-18th, 2025
Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. Our expert team brings the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more! If you’re preparing for the CDCES or BC-ADM exam, this conference—paired with free bonus courses—serves as the ideal study companion!
With interactive co-teaching, we keep sessions engaging, relevant, and fun. Let’s learn and grow together!
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun! The faculty includes:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
- 3 Days: of critical information delivered by passionate speakers in an engaging and fun format!
- 11 Bonus Online Courses: As a course attendee, you automatically receive a bonus online course bundle of 11 online courses valued at over
Question of the Week | Based on ADA Standards, what is next med addition?
JR has type 2 diabetes and takes Metformin 1000mg BID and sitagliptin (Januvia), A1C 8.1%. GFR 47, UACR 158mg/g. Recent diagnosis of congestive heart failure. These are the medications their insurance covers.
Of the following medications, which addition would most benefit JR?
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- pioglitazone (Actos)
- semaglutide (Ozempic)
- dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
Ignite your passion & prepare for Diabetes Certification!
Join our Expert Team at our dynamic Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 16-18th, 2025
Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. Our expert team brings the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more! If you’re preparing for the CDCES or BC-ADM exam, this conference—paired with free bonus courses—serves as the ideal study companion!
With interactive co-teaching, we keep sessions engaging, relevant, and fun. Let’s learn and grow together!
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun! The faculty includes:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
- 3 Days: of critical information delivered by passionate speakers in an engaging and fun format!
- 11 Bonus Online Courses: As a course attendee, you automatically receive a bonus online course bundle of 11 online courses valued at over
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/insta-png-v5.png")
