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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.

Question of the Week | Best technique to assess Protective Sensation in feet?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

Which of the following best describes the proper technique for using a 10-gram monofilament to assess protective sensation in a person with diabetes?

  1. Press the monofilament firmly against the skin until it bows for at least 2 seconds, then ask if the person if they feel pressure.
  2. Stroke the monofilament across the skin surface to assess for light touch sensation.
  3. Apply the monofilament to the dorsal surface on random sites without informing the individual when contact is made.
  4. 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?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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)?

 

  1. Start metformin and limit other meds to determine glucose response.
  2. Initiate lifestyle changes plus a statin and re-evaluate A1C in 3 months.
  3. Make sure BT is taking both an ACE and an ARB to reduce CV risk.
  4. Start a GLP-1 RA or SGLT2 with proven cardiovascular benefit.

Want to learn more about this question?

Join us for our

Cardiovascular Disease & Risk Management

Level 2: ADA Standards

All hours earned count toward your CDCES and BC-ADM Certification Accreditation Information

Question of the Week | What Stage of Change?

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

 

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?

 

  1. Contemplation
  2. Acceptance
  3. Precontemplation
  4. 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

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

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?

  1. Refer to a sleep study to evaluate for obstructive sleep apnea and adjust the medication regimen.
  2. Encourage engagement in vigorous evening exercise to promote better sleep.
  3. Screen sleep health and develop a plan to create consistent sleep routines and habits.
  4. 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
Registration Fee includes:
  • 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

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

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?

 

  1. If the retinal photos are of optimal quality.
  2. If abnormalities are detected.
  3. Immediately after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
  4. For those on long term aspirin therapy.

Want to learn more about this question?

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

Question of the Week Diabetes Education Services

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?

  1. A 46-year-old male with type 1 diabetes on a fixed carbohydrate meal plan.
  2. A 30-year-old pregnant female recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
  3. A clinically underweight 77-year-old female with pre-diabetes and osteoporosis on a high-protein, high-calcium diet.
  4. 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:

  1. Introduction to the concept and benefits of mindful eating for individuals with diabetes
  2. Overview of key strategies for mindful eating
  3. Practical tools for incorporating mindful eating into professional practice (of Diabetes Educators)
  4. 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.