For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on Diabetes and NASH. 41% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
The provider referred RT, a 72-year-old with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty steatohepatitis (NASH), for an appointment with the diabetes care and education specialist. RT is frightened because their brother died of liver cancer.
Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding NASH and diabetes?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is correct. 41.14% chose this answer, “NASH is when intrahepatic fat is equal to or greater than 5% of liver weight.” GREAT JOB! According to ADA Standard 4, “NASH is defined histologically as having more than 5% hepatic steatosis and associated with inflammation and hepatocyte injury (hepatocyte ballooning), with or without evidence of liver fibrosis”.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 27.11% of you chose this answer, “About 30% of people with diabetes and extra weight also have NASH.” This is a juicy answer, but it is an underestimate of the current problem. Recent studies in adults in the U.S. estimate that more than 70% of people with type 2 diabetes have non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The more serious, steatohepatitis, is estimated to affect more than 50% of people with type 2 diabetes with NAFLD and it appears to be a driver for the development of fibrosis.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 14.14% of respondents chose this answer, “There are standardized medication algorithms to guide the treatment of NASH.” According to ADA Standard 4, at present, there are no FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of NASH. Therefore, treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and NASH is centered on the dual purpose of treating hyperglycemia and weight loss. Pioglitazone and some glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been shown to be effective to treat steatohepatitis, may slow fibrosis progression, and decrease cardiovascular disease.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 17.62% chose this answer, “Risk of NASH is greater in people who consume excess alcohol and processed foods.” Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] indicates liver inflammation in the absence of ongoing or recent consumption of significant amounts of alcohol (defined as ingestion of >21 standard drinks per week in men and >14 standard drinks per week in women over a 2-year period preceding evaluation) or the presence of other secondary causes of fatty liver disease. NASH is not a result of excess alcohol intake and is usually associated with genetics, body weight and insulin resistance.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
We also invite you to join our Online Courses for more information (see info below)
Hope you can join our Diabetes Boot Camp in February and our other Level 2 Courses.
Can’t join all the sessions live? No problem. Your registration guarantees you access to the recorded lectures for a full year.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are studying for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) or the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the BC-ADM or the CDCES certification Exam.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what is the right LDL target. 37% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
RZ is 47 years old with type 2 diabetes and hypertension with a UACR of 199 mg/g. RZ takes metformin 1000 mg BID, plus lisinopril 20mg daily. RZ most recent LDL Cholesterol was 130 mg/dL. The provider writes an order for DASH meal planning education and initiation of atorvastatin 40mg.
Based on the most recent ADA Standards, what is the LDL Cholesterol target for RZ?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 25.97% chose this answer, “LDL less than 100 mg/dL.” This is a juicy answer since it is the OLD LDL goal from several years ago. But the new 2023 lipid guidelines have even more intense goals for high-risk individuals. Since RZ has diabetes, hypertension, and albuminuria (UACR >30mg/g), they have an elevated risk of ASCVD. Given their risk status, the 2023 guidelines recommend reducing LDL by at least 50% of baseline and target LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg/dL (see slide below).
Answer 2 is incorrect. 16.63% of you chose this answer, “Lower LDL by 30%.” Another juicy answer. Given RZ’s risk status, the 2023 guidelines recommend reducing LDL by at least 50% of baseline and target LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg/dL. (see slide below).
Answer 3 is correct. 37.01% of respondents chose this answer, “LDL target of 65 mg/dL or less.” GREAT JOB! Since RZ has diabetes, hypertension, and albuminuria (UACR >30mg/g), they have an elevated risk of ASCVD. Given their risk status, the 2023 guidelines recommend reducing LDL by at least 50% of baseline and target LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg/dL. Since RZ’s current LDL is 130, the goal is to reduce the LDL by at least 50% (LDL of 65mg/dL) AND less than 70 mg/dL by using a high-intensity statin and lifestyle therapy, (see slide below).
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 20.38% chose this answer, “Determine LDL target based on ASCVD calculations.” Although this information would be helpful, it wouldn’t change the lipid goals. Given their risk status, the 2023 guidelines recommend reducing LDL by at least 50% of baseline and target LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg/dL, (see slide below).
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
We also invite you to join our Online Courses for more information (see info below)
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February and our other Level 2 Courses.
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
Objectives:
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Can’t join all the sessions live? No problem. Your registration guarantees you access to the recorded lectures for a full year.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are studying for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) or the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the BC-ADM or the CDCES certification Exam.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on why glucose is spiking after exercise. 80% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
JR is 42 years old with type 2 diabetes and has worked up to brisk walking for 30 minutes on most days. JR has an A1C of 6.7% and takes an SGLT-2, metformin, and lovastatin along with trying to eat healthfully. JR decided to check blood sugars an hour after exercise and was surprised to see post-exercise blood glucose in the 180’s on two different days. JR asks you why their blood glucose actually rises after exercise.
What is the diabetes specialist’s best response?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 6.19% chose this answer, “This is most likely due to a low blood sugar from your medications followed by rebound hyperglycemia.” This answer is tempting, but not accurate. Since JR’s only diabetes medication include metformin and a SGLT-2 inhibitor, they are not at risk for low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is only associated with sulfonylureas, meglitinides and insulin therapy.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 3.29% of you chose this answer, “Blood sugars normally drop after exercise. When is the last time you performed quality control on your meter?” In this situation, exercise can decrease hours after exercise, but usually increases immediately after exercise. Which means, JR doesn’t need to perform quality control on their glucose meter, since it is accurately reflecting blood sugar trends.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 10.41% of respondents chose this answer, “I understand what you are saying. It sounds like this blood sugar elevation is causing you some anxiety.” Although, this is a very compassionate response, it does not answer the question JR is asking, “why does my blood sugar go up after exercise?” For this reason, it is tempting, but not the best answer.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 80.11% chose this answer, “Exercising causes the release of hormones that can temporarily cause your blood sugar to rise.” YES, most of you chose the best answer. With exercise, counterregulatory or stress hormones are activated, which increases insulin resistance and causes blood glucose levels to temporarily rise to feed hungry muscles. This glucose rise is an expected temporary response and with time, blood sugars get back to baseline. GREAT JOB.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
We also invite you to join our Online Courses for more information (see info below)
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Join us live on February 2, 2023, at 11:30 am PST for our
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on who is most at risk of diabetes based on the new ADA Standards. 45% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
The clinic where JR works as a Diabetes Specialist wants to set up a screening program to identify people with undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes based on risk status. According to the 2023 ADA Standards of Care, which of the following indicates that an individual is at increased risk of having prediabetes and diabetes and needs further testing?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is correct. 44.91% chose the BEST answer, “A 29-year-old newly started on antiretroviral therapy.” GREAT JOB. A potential side effect of antiretroviral therapy, used to treat HIV, is the destruction of beta cells and resultant hyperglycemia. The ADA guidelines recommend screening blood sugars before starting antiretroviral therapy, during treatment and yearly. Of course, it is also important to alert the individual on antiretroviral therapy of the signs of hyperglycemia and ask them to report any signs right away. Please refer to our Diabetes Diagnosis and Screening Cheat Sheet for more information.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 34.23% of you chose this answer, “A 24-year-old who leads a sedentary lifestyle and father has history of heart disease.” Screening for prediabetes or diabetes starts at the age of 35 for everyone or for younger individuals with an elevated BMI and an additional risk factor. Since this person is under the age of 35 and we don’t know their weight, they wouldn’t meet the criteria for a high risk individual based on the information provided and the ADA Guidelines. Please refer to our Diabetes Diagnosis and Screening Cheat Sheet for more information.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 12.69% of respondents chose this answer, “A 14-year-old whose cousin with type 1 diabetes.” The ADA guidelines suggest screening individuals with a first-degree family members with type 1 diabetes. Since cousins aren’t considered first-degree relatives, this is not the best answer. However, JDRF has a Type 1 Screening Resource Page for those who are interested in being screened for type 1 diabetes. Please refer to our Diabetes Diagnosis and Screening Cheat Sheet for more information.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.18% chose this answer, “A 26-year-old who just delivered a baby three weeks early.” This answer is tempting, but does not match the ADA risk factors. A person who had gestational diabetes has a higher risk of future diabetes, but in this answer, there is no indication that the person had GDM or any blood sugar elevations. Delivering a baby early is not associated with increased diabetes risk. Please refer to our Diabetes Diagnosis and Screening Cheat Sheet for more information.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
Please refer to our Diabetes Diagnosis and Screening Cheat Sheet for more information.
We also invite you to join our Online Courses for more information (see info below)
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Join us live on February 2, 2023, at 11:30 am PST for our
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on insulin storage guidelines. 55% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
JR has a bunch of insulin pens at home and is wondering if they are still good to use. Most of the unopened insulin pens are stored in the fridge, but JR has 2 degludec (Tresiba) pens that they left out of the refrigerator by accident. They ask you if they are still good. What is the most accurate response for the shelf life of degludec (Tresiba) pens stored at room temperature of up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit?
Answer Choices:
Practical Clinical Pointers: Of course, these are general storage guidelines and if people using insulin notice blood sugars climbing despite adequate insulin dosing, it can be a sign the insulin has lost its potency. Sometimes, people on a budget might decide to keep using insulin past the expiration date. In either case, we can advise individuals to switch to a new insulin vial or pen right away if they notice blood sugars unexplainably trending up.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
Please refer to our Insulin Storage Guidelines or package inserts for more information. We also invite you to join our Online Courses for more information (see info below)
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February.
See below for info.
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
Objectives:
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed the new ADA 2023 standards on hypertension. 48% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
The new 2023 ADA Standards of Care are out, and they include several important clinical updates that are critical for our practice and certification exams.
What best represents the updated definition of hypertension in the 2023 Standards?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is correct. 48.07% chose this BEST answer – GREAT JOB. According to Standard 10, Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management, hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80. This is in agreement with the definition of hypertension by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. People with diabetes and hypertension qualify for antihypertensive drug therapy when the blood pressure is persistently elevated and is greater than or equal to 130/80. The on-treatment target blood pressure goal is less than 130/80, if it can be safely attained.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 21.74% of you chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 and a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.” This is so close to being the being the best answer, but it is not accurate. If either the diastolic or systolic pressure meet the cut-off, the person is considered to have a blood pressure reading that is above target.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 16.89% of respondents chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90.” This was the definition of hypertension in the 2022 and older standards. The 2023 definition of hypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 13.29% chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.” This is a blending of hypertension definition from the 2022 and 2023 standards. The 2023 definition of hypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
You can view the 2023 Standards on our CDCES Coach App or you can pre-order your own ADA 2023 Standards here.
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February.
See below for info.
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
Objectives:
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on Rezvoglar insulin. 75% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
RZ takes 30 units of glargine (Lantus) each night. However, when they went to the pharmacy to pick up their prescription, they received glargine insulin Rezvoglar instead of their usual Lantus.
RZ asks how the pharmacy can give them a different brand of insulin without checking first? After addressing their emotional response, you provide the following, most accurate Information.
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 12.73% chose this answer, “Rezvoglar is the generic version of (glargine) Lantus.” This is a very tempting answer, but since insulin is a biologic medication, (biologic medications are large, complex molecules, often made from living cells or tissue) the term “generic” is replaced with “biosimilar”. In addition, the better answer below is more accurate, and offers additional information.
Answer 2 is correct. 74.97% of you chose this answer, “Rezvoglar is an interchangeable biosimilar insulin.” YES, GREAT JOB. The FDA just announced that Rezvoglar has also been approved as an interchangeable biosimilar along with Semglee. An “interchangeable biosimilar,” means that pharmacists can substitute a person’s Lantus prescription with these cheaper alternatives without needing to consult the healthcare prescriber.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 9.17% of respondents chose this answer, “Rezvoglar can not be switched for glargine (Lantus) without provider approval.” With recent FDA approval, Rezvoglar is now an “interchangeable biosimilar,” which means that pharmacists can substitute a person’s Lantus prescription with this cheaper alternative without needing to consult the healthcare prescriber.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 3.13% chose this answer, “Rezvoglar is a rapid-acting human biosimilar insulin analog.” Rezvoglar is the biosimilar of basal insulin glargine.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
Newly Approved Biosimilar Interchangeable Basal Insulin – PocketCard Update
Under basal insulin glargine, there are now 3 biosimilars listed; Basaglar, Semglee and Rezvoglar. The FDA just announced that Rezvoglar has also been approved as an interchangeable biosimilar along with Semglee. An “interchangeable biosimilar,” means that pharmacists can substitute a person’s Lantus prescription with these cheaper alternatives without needing to consult the healthcare prescriber.
Get Your Own PocketCard
These updates are now posted on the latest version of our Insulin PocketCards, which are available for FREE download, or on our CDCES Coach App. You can also purchase your very own 2023 laminated version and they make perfect gifts for team members.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on PZ who is upset by a recent diabetes diagnosis. 64% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question:
PZ is very upset that they were just diagnosed with diabetes and state “I want to get rid of this diabetes”. PZ has a BMI of 35 and elevated LDL cholesterol levels. Both of PZ’s parents had diabetes and died due to complications.
Based on the newly released ADA/EASD Consensus Statement, which intervention is recommended to get blood sugars to target and possibly lead to type 2 remission?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 26.34% chose this answer, “Start an SGLT-2 Inhibitor plus metformin.” This was a juicy answer, but not the best answer. The ADA/EASD consensus statement suggests starting combination therapy for people with an A1C of 8.5% or greater. However, in this case study, there is no information on PZ’s glucose level, therefore we can’t suggest initiating combination diabetes therapy.
Answer 2 is correct. 63.55% of you chose this answer, “Lose 10-15% of current weight.” YES, GREAT JOB. According to the ADA/EASD Consensus Statement, weight reduction as a targeted intervention can dramatically improved outcomes. “Weight loss of 5–10% confers metabolic improvement; weight loss of 10–15% or more can have a disease-modifying effect and lead to remission of diabetes, defined as normal blood glucose levels for 3 months or more in the absence of pharmacological therapy”. Plus, weight loss provides benefits that extend beyond glycemic management to decrease cardiometabolic risk factors and improve quality of life. In addition to referring all people with diabetes to a RD/RDN for MNT and encouraging regular activity, we can also recommend newer pharmacologic agents that not only lower glucose but support weight loss.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 7.50% of respondents chose this answer, “Immediately initiate a walking and strength training program.” While strength training and physical activity are both critical to promote health and improve insulin sensitivity, they will probably not be enough, by themselves, to get PZ’s A1C to target.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 2.60% chose this answer, “Encourage insulin pump therapy to preserve beta cell function.” While many people with type 2 diabetes are opting to use insulin pump therapy, initiating someone on insulin pump therapy before trying lifestyle and pharmacologic agents is not a recommended approach based on the latest consensus statement.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”. You can download our Medication PocketCard or join our Webinar below for more information.
Plan on joining this exciting webinar that walks participants through the newly released, “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Consensus Report by the ADA and EASD”. These updated guidelines will be incorporated into the 2023 ADA Standards of Care, but you can get a early sneak peak by joining Coach Beverly on December 1st, 2022. She will highlight the revised guidelines with a focus on new elements and exciting changes on how we approach medication management for type 2 diabetes. Together, we will explore clinical factors to consider when determining the best strategy to improve glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes and other co-conditions. There will be a special focus on cardiovascular risk reduction and renal protection and addressing clinical inertia.
Objectives:
Intended Audience: A great course for health care professionals seeking evidence-based information that improves the quality of life and outcomes.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.