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Attention Diabetes Healthcare Professionals: Our Diabetes Cheat Sheet Resource Page Is Updated for 2026!
If you’re a busy diabetes healthcare professional, you want tools that help you deliver excellent, evidence-based care—without spending hours digging for information. That’s exactly why we created our Diabetes Cheat Sheet Resource Page, and we’re excited to share that it’s been updated with new additions for 2026.
You can download these free clinical and teaching cheat sheets directly from our website or through the CDCES Coach App. To make your life easier, we’ve reorganized everything by category and alphabetically, so you can quickly find exactly what you need—right when you need it.
Clinical Cheat Sheets: Evidence at Your Fingertips
The first section focuses on concise, evidence-based clinical summaries drawn from the American Diabetes Association Standards of Care and current research. These resources are ideal for:
- Day-to-day clinical decision-making
- Teaching colleagues and learners
- Preparing for certification exams
Some of our most popular Clinical Cheat Sheets include:
- Indications for GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists for diabetes, weight management, and cardiovascular disease
- Lipid & Hypertension Medications Cheat Sheet
- Neuropathy Treatment in Diabetes
- Screening and Diagnostic Criteria for diabetes
Patient Education Resources You Can Share with Confidence
The next section includes ready-to-use handouts designed for people living with diabetes. Many are available in both English and Spanish, and several allow you to add your own logo or tailor the content to better serve your population.
A highlight of this section is the new “Keeping Healthy with Diabetes” sheets. These were personally created by Coach Beverly as teaching tools for community classes and for the people she serves in a rural health clinic. They clearly summarize:
- What a diabetes diagnosis means
- Key goals of diabetes care
- Practical, easy-to-understand health messages
Perfect for printing, sharing, and using in real-world conversations.
Technology, Nutrition, Apps & Carb Counting Support
You’ll also find dedicated sections on:
- Diabetes technology (including tools to evaluate accuracy)
- Nutrition resources
- Helpful diabetes apps
- Carbohydrate counting tools, which are especially valuable for those preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM certification
Whether you’re caring for people with diabetes, teaching others, or preparing for an exam, these updated resources are designed to save you time, reduce overwhelm, and support best-in-class care.
Love Cheat Sheets? You can Access on New CDCES Coach App!
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care Complete Review
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Question of the Week | What to Assess When Looking for PAD?
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is significantly underdiagnosed. While PAD affects around 8.5 million Americans and prevalence rises with age (up to 20% over 60), only 10-20% are clinically diagnosed, highlighting a major gap in awareness and screening.
According to the ADA Standards, what needs to be included in the initial screening for PAD?
- History of leg fatigue and calf pain when walking.
- Lower extremity pain that is worse at night and restless legs.
- Leg cramps coupled and frequent unexplained bruising.
- Onychomycosis and unusual callus formation.
Level 2 | Standard 12: Lower Extremity Assessment
Join us live on March 12th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST!
Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference
Join us on April 15th-17th, 2026!
January 2026 eNews
Featured Articles ___________________________ |
Happy January!💚
Greetings, wonderful healthcare colleagues!
You are going to love all the updates to our cheat sheets, online university courses, and PocketCards.
Coach Beverly has been excitedly scanning the 2026 ADA Standards to discover updates and advances in diabetes care. She and her team are hustling to integrate these new findings across our platforms, including the CDCES Coach App, handouts, courses, and web content, so that you can access the latest information with confidence.
In our first newsletter of 2026, we are excited to share that we have made significant changes to our Medication PocketCards in the GLP-1/GIP RA section. Now included are the diabetes and weight-loss versions of this popular medication class, with indications for each. You can compare and contrast at a glance. Download your free version and read more below.
Our library of Cheat Sheets is updated and includes a few new additions! These sheets are available on our website and the CDCES Coach App for easy access, with the option to download and share with your colleagues and people living with diabetes alike.
Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, explores her experience with a client who arrived at her office distraught and struggling with the loss of his lifelong partner. Pass the tissues.
Our Tech contributor, Dr. Beattie, provides a summary of red flag statements that may indicate a person is experiencing barriers to effectively using technology in their day-to-day management.
We encourage you to test your knowledge with our Question and Rationale of the Week. January kicks off our Level 1 Fundamental Series, followed by our annual ADA Standards of Care update on January 29th and Level 2 Mastery Course Series in February. We hope to see you there!
Here is to a 2026 filled with self-compassion and moments of awe.
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Astraea & Katarina
Order 2026 ADA Standards Book + Webinar!
Upcoming Free Webinars
Upcoming CE Course Series
Rationale of the Week | Teens’ A1C Climbs After Starting CGM
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on Katie needing support with improving her glycemic management, and what would be the best response. 76.5% 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
Katie is a 14-year-old living with type 1 diabetes since age 10. She uses multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) therapy to manage her diabetes and started using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) 3 months ago at the recommendation of her endocrinology team. Her A1c has increased to 9.2% since starting CCM technology.
Her mother reports that Katie has episodes of prolonged hyperglycemia when she is away from home. When at home, her mother will remind Katie to bolus based on the alerts she gets on the CGM share app. Katie reports she mutes alarms and alerts because she doesn’t want her classmates to hear them, afraid they will judge her. When you ask if she has uploaded her data to the school nurse or her endocrinology team she says, “The app is really confusing.” Her mother is frustrated with Katie for not paying attention to the CGM, saying, “She can text her friends without any problem; I don’t know why she struggles with the CGM”.
As the diabetes healthcare provider, how can you support Katie in improving her glycemic control?
- Turn on her CGM alarms but increase the high alarm so she doesn’t get as many hyperglycemia related alerts.
- Show her step-by-step how to use the app and how to troubleshoot the alerts and alarms.
- Have the school nurse monitor her CGM trends when Katie is at school, since her mom monitors the CGM trends when she is at home.
- Email Katie’s mother once a week for updates to make sure she is monitoring CGM trends.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer A is incorrect: 12.89% chose this answer, “Turn on her CGM alarms but increase the high alarm so she doesn’t get as many
hyperglycemia related alerts.” Helping Katie turn on and increasing her high alarm will not help improve her glycemic management.
Answer B is correct: 76.5% chose this answer, “Show her step-by-step how to use the app and how to troubleshoot the alerts and alarms.” Guiding Katie through the CGM app and its functions helps her ask questions, resolve issues, and better monitor her glycemic management.
Answer C is incorrect: 9.46% chose this answer, “Have the school nurse monitor her CGM trends when Katie is at school, since her mom monitors the CGM trends when she is at home.” Asking the school nurse to monitor CGM data while Katie is at school is not helping to improve Katie’s self-management skills.
Answer D is incorrect: 1.15% chose this answer, “Email Katie’s mother once a week for updates to make sure she is monitoring CGM
trends.” Emailing Katie’s mother does not help improve Katie’s CGM self-monitoring skills or her confidence level with the CGM app.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Learn more about Diabetes Tech at our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference
April 15th-17th, 2026
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 a handful of free bonus courses, serves as the ideal study companion! Plus, this content counts toward the ADA Standards requirements for CDCES Renewal.
With interactive co-teaching, we keep sessions engaging, relevant, and fun.
Let’s learn and grow together!
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current ADA Standards for diagnosis, goals, and person-centered diabetes management across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate insulin pattern management and dosing strategies in clinical scenarios.
- Implement timely screening and risk reduction strategies for microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
- Incorporate behavior change techniques and medical nutrition therapy to support people with diabetes self-management and lifestyle adjustment.
Rationale of the Week | What Do New ADA Standards Say About Development of Type 2?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on the new ADA Standards and the development of type 2 diabetes. 42.48% 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
According to the new 2026 ADA Standards, “type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin secretory defects related to” which of the following?
- BMI and activity level.
- Lifestyle and inflammation.
- Genetics and visceral adipose distribution.
- Epigenetics and metabolic stress.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer A is incorrect: 14.85% chose this answer, “BMI and activity level.” This answer is incorrect but tempting. BMI level is used as a a screening tool for prediabetes and diabetes risk, but is not included as a factor contributing to secretory defects. According to the ADA, there are four factors related to insulin secretory defects in type 2 diabetes. They include; genetics, epigenetics, metabolic stress and inflammation.
Answer B is incorrect: 16.92% chose this answer, “Lifestyle and inflammation.” This juicy answer is incorrect. Lifestyle is not a direct factor related to insulin secretory defects, but inflammation is a contributor. According to the ADA, there are four factors related to insulin secretory defects in type 2 diabetes. They include; genetics, epigenetics, metabolic stress and inflammation.
Answer C is incorrect: 25.75% chose this answer, “Genetics and visceral adipose distribution.” This answer is incorrect. Visceral adiposity is associated with an increased risk for diabetes, but does not contribute to insulin secretory defects. According to the ADA, there are four factors related to insulin secretory defects in type 2 diabetes. They include; genetics, epigenetics, metabolic stress and inflammation.
Answer D is correct: 42.48% chose this answer, “Epigenetics and metabolic stress.” This answer is correct, GREAT JOB! According to the ADA, there are four factors related to insulin secretory defects in type 2 diabetes. They include; genetics, epigenetics, metabolic stress and inflammation.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Join Coach Bev!
Take a Deep Dive Into the 2026 ADA Standards
On January 29th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST
Meds PocketCard Refresh for 2026!
Fresh updates. Clear comparisons. Even more clinical confidence.
You are going to love the latest updates to our Medication PocketCards—designed to help you make quick, informed decisions at the point of care.
GLP-1 & GIP Medications: Now Easier to Compare Than Ever
Our GLP-1 & GIP Meds PocketCard now includes two distinct versions—one for diabetes and one for weight management—so you can compare therapies at a glance.
Each version clearly outlines:
- Approved indications
- Medication action
- Efficacy
- Common side effects
This side-by-side approach makes it easier to individualize treatment decisions based on a person’s health profile, age, and comorbidities.
Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss—Now Included
Big news in the GLP-1 world! Semaglutide is now available as an oral formulation for weight loss, and we’ve added it to the PocketCard.
- Rybelsus® remains the oral option approved for diabetes
- Oral semaglutide for weight loss is FDA-approved and included on the updated card
- Both formulations are approved to reduce cardiovascular risk
Just like Rybelsus, oral semaglutide for weight loss:
- Must be taken on an empty stomach
- With a small sip of water
- At least 30 minutes before food, beverages, or other medications
Good-Bye to Exenatide XR
It’s the end of an era. Exenatide XR (Bydureon®, Bcise®) has been discontinued.
The only remaining option is generic exenatide, administered twice daily—still available and noted on the updated PocketCard.
TZDs: A Farewell and a Comeback
We say goodbye to rosiglitazone and welcome a renewed appreciation for pioglitazone (Actos®).
Pioglitazone:
- Improves insulin resistance
- Lowers free fatty acids
- Is now indicated for hepatic steatosis or for individuals who have experienced a stroke.
Research led by Dr. Ralph DeFronzo demonstrates that pioglitazone can shift fat from visceral to subcutaneous depots, improving metabolic health and liver outcomes.
Clinical pearls included on the card:
- Start low (15 mg) and titrate slowly
- Monitor for fluid retention and weight gain
- Check ankles and assess heart failure risk
- Avoid in individuals with CHF or high fracture risk
Importantly, pioglitazone is also indicated for people with prediabetes or diabetes who have experienced a stroke, as it significantly reduces the risk of recurrent stroke.
DPP-4 Inhibitors: A Smaller Role
DPP-4 inhibitors continue to decline in use due to lower efficacy and higher cost, and both alogliptin and sitagliptin carry an increased risk of hospitalization for heart-failure .
That said, generic sitagliptin is once again available, so we’ve added it back to the PocketCard in the DPP-4 category—clearly labeled to support informed prescribing.
Give Feedback - Get FREE PocketCard 💜 We Want to Hear From You
- What do you think of the 2026 PocketCard updates?
- How do these cards support your clinical decision-making?
Please Share your thoughts and observations with us! Get a FREE PocketCard in the mail.
Your feedback helps us keep these tools practical, relevant, and clinician-approved.
Learn More About Meds With Upcoming Courses
ADA Standards of Care Complete Review
Join us live on January 29th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST!
Question of the Week | CS’s A1C Climbs After Experiencing Distress
CS is a 42-year-old with type 1 diabetes for just over 18 years. In the past year, their A1C changed from 7.4% to 9.1%, and weight increased by 20 pounds. Review of CGM data suggests missed insulin boluses more than 7 times per week, and discussion with CS reveals missed clinic visits due to feeling “burned out”. They score in the moderate range on the Diabetes Distress Scale.
Based on the ADA 2026 Standards of Care, which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
- Partner with CS to reduce missed boluses and reassess in 3 months.
- Simplify regimen to support current state of diabetes distress.
- Refer to a qualified behavioral health professional for evaluation and treatment.
- Recommend referral to MNT for a structured weight-loss program.
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care Complete Review
Join us live on January 29th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST!
Level 2 | Improving Care and Promoting Health
Join us live on February 10th, 2026 at 11:30 AM PST!
Keeping You in the Loop: twiist Insulin Pump
Have you heard about the twiist insulin pump? If not, don’t worry – we are here to keep you in the loop! The twiist is the latest automated insulin delivery (AID) system to join the diabetes treatment toolbox. This insulin pump features a unique algorithm powered by Tidepool Loop Technology, offering clients another option in insulin management.
Meet twiist
The twiist is an AID system that looks and acts a bit differently than current insulin pumps. FDA-approved for individuals 6 years old and older, it is a circular-shaped insulin pump. There is a bladder-type reservoir, called a cassette, that holds up to 300 units of insulin. The twiist AID system is currently compatible only with the Libre 3+ continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and iPhone. Meal and correction boluses are delivered via the phone app or Apple Watch for discreet diabetes management. Humalog (insulin lispro) U-100 and Novolog (insulin aspart) are the insulins approved for use with the twiist insulin pump.
iiSure Technology and Tidepool Loop
The twiist AID system uses iiSure technology within the pump and the cassette to dose insulin. Sound waves are used for direct volume measurement to ensure accurate insulin dosing. This feature also identifies occlusions faster than other currently available AID
systems.¹ Insulin moves through the pump chamber into the iiSure chamber, where sound waves use four checkpoints to verify insulin flow and correct dosing:
1. A baseline measurement is taken of the empty iiSure chamber before the insulin reaches this part of the cartridge.
2. The iiSure chamber fills with the determined dose of insulin and is measured for accuracy.
3. A second check of the iiSure chamber is verified for accuracy.
4. After insulin delivery, the pump measures the iiSure chamber to calculate the amount of insulin delivered. ¹ Tidepool Loop is the algorithm that powers the twiist AID system. Tidepool Loop creates a 6-hour glucose prediction forecast based on pump settings, insulin on board, recent carbohydrate entries, and CGM history. This information is collected every 5 minutes to create a 6-hour glucose forecast. Clients using twiist can view this glucose forecast to help make treatment decisions.
How Is twiist Different?
As we have discussed, twiist not only looks different but also functions slightly differently from other AID systems.
Here are a few more unique features:
Target Range: One of the most interesting twiist differences is that the lowest target range setting is 87 mg/dL, with the highest being 180 mg/dL for insulin delivery recommendations.
Retroactive Meal Adjustment: Users can adjust the CHO amount for a meal or snack bolus if they consume fewer carbs than planned.
Emojis: Using meal emojis helps the algorithm set a personalized prediction of food absorption based on carb, fiber, and fat content. If emojis aren’t used, the system defaults to a 3-hour food absorption.
No contracts: The twiist is a pharmacy benefit (rather than a Durable Medical Equipment benefit) and does not require a long-term contract commitment.
Premeal Preset: This option allows the user to temporarily lower the correction range before a meal to help prevent a post-meal glucose spike.
Workout Preset: This optional setting allows for glucose ranges from 87 mg/dL to 250 mg/dL to be set before, during, or after a workout.
Clinical Pearls — With a twiist
Diabetes healthcare professionals are considered experts in insulin pumps. Whether you are discussing insulin pump options, training, or troubleshooting the twiist insulin pump with clients, here are some helpful clinical pearls:
- Assess for physical and cognitive ability to use, manage, and troubleshoot the twiist insulin pump. Also, evaluate clients’ current cell phones or their willingness to change, as twiist can only be used with the iPhone at this time.
- If a user needs to be away from their iPhone, a small button on the pump itself can deliver an insulin bolus.
- The Libre 3+ CGM cannot connect to the Libre family of apps or the reader when using twiist. All CGM alerts will be through the twiist app.
- There are multiple alarms for various conditions. Education is vital to clients about these different alarms for identification and prompt intervention of potential issues.
- The twiist AID system is not safe for MRI, CT scans, x-ray, or any other procedures involving radiation and will need to be removed for these procedures.²
References:
- twiist. (n.d.). iiSure technology: Introducing the next generation of insulin delivery. https://www.twiist.com/iisure-technology#:~:text=Introducing%20iiSure%20Technology,Join%20the%20Insider%20Listhttps://doi.org/10.2337/dc25-S015
- twiist. (n.d.). Support & resources. https://www.twiist.com/twiist-on-support
Learn More From Our Technology Expert:
Dr. Diana Isaacs
During Our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference
April 15th-17th, 2026
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 a handful of free bonus courses, serves as the ideal study companion! Plus, this content counts toward the ADA Standards requirements for CDCES Renewal.
With interactive co-teaching, we keep sessions engaging, relevant, and fun.
Let’s learn and grow together!
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current ADA Standards for diagnosis, goals, and person-centered diabetes management across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate insulin pattern management and dosing strategies in clinical scenarios.
- Implement timely screening and risk reduction strategies for microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
- Incorporate behavior change techniques and medical nutrition therapy to support people with diabetes self-management and lifestyle adjustment.
