For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on missing bolus insulin before lunch, how should you follow up? 66% 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: RT is in the hospital with pneumonia. Based on pre lunch glucose check, RT needs 3 units bolus insulin for lunch. RT’s blood glucose before lunch (20 minutes ago) was 173. You walk in room and RT is almost done with lunch.
What is best action?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is correct. 66.15% chose this answer. “Give the 3 units of bolus insulin now.” YES, this is the BEST answer. Since RT just checked their blood glucose 20 minutes ago, even though they have consumed most of their meal, it is best to give the bolus insulin now so the insulin can help blunt the post prandial increase. It also provides a great teaching moment to encourage individuals to give insulin before eating, to allow the insulin to start working to match the post meal increase from food.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 5.59% of you chose this answer. “Hold the bolus insulin since RT is almost done.” If we hold the bolus insulin, RT’s blood glucose level will go above target since there would be no insulin available to store the incoming carbohydrates in muscle and liver cells as glycogen.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 18.94% of respondents chose this. “Recheck the glucose now and adjust insulin dose accordingly.” Unfortunately, this is not a good time to determine insulin needs based on glucose. Since RT is eating, the blood sugars are rising and we might end up giving too much insulin based on this temporary increase. It is best to determine insulin dose on premeal glucose and anticipated carb consumption.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 9.32% chose this answer. “Call MD for further instructions.” No need to call for instructions in this situation. If a person with diabetes experienced this situation at home, they would simply give their insulin mid-meal. In this situation, it won’t cause any harm to give the recommended dose now. It also provides a great teaching moment to encourage individuals to give insulin before eating, to allow the insulin to start working to match the post meal increase from food.
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!
Research demonstrates the importance of glucose control during hospitalization to improve outcomes not only in the inpatient setting but after discharge. This course reviews the evidence that supports inpatient glucose control & outlines practical strategies to achieve targets in the inpatient setting. We incorporate the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provide links to resources & inpatient management templates.
Objectives:
Learning Outcome:
The diabetes care team will gain insights and knowledge of special considerations, individualized goals, and standards for inpatients with diabetes that they can include in their practice.
Target Audience:
This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs/RDNs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions. The practice areas for RDs/RDNs for CDR reporting are healthcare, preventative care, wellness, and, lifestyle along with, education and research.
CDR Performance Indicators:
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working diabetes specialist and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
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.
By Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
For years, the Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the standard for determining body weight health, but are there other factors we should be considering?
In June of 2023, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a policy to clarify the use of BMI for medical care. And in 2024, the ADA Standards of Care1 followed, updating their recommendations for the use of BMI.
Both organizations reported BMI as an imperfect measure as it does not measure weight distribution or factor in weight-related health conditions. More accurate body measurement approaches are under consideration that may replace BMI in the future.
KT just turned 65 and asks you about Medicare Insurance Coverage for Diabetes.
Which of the following is accurate regarding Medicare Coverage for people living with diabetes?
This course provides you with a succinct overview of the latest standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) & Support Programs. If you are taking certification exams or considering setting up a DSME program, this program is designed for you. We highlight the newly revised & simplified standards & provide strategies for program implementation. In addition, we discuss Medicare Reimbursement & covered benefits. This course provides insights into the exam philosophy & also highlights critical content areas.
Objectives:
Learning Outcome:
Participants will articulate the steps involved in setting up and meeting the Standards while exploring psychosocial issues and considering social determinants of health.
Target Audience:
This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs/RDNs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions. The practice areas for RDs/RDNs for CDR reporting are healthcare, preventative care, wellness, and, lifestyle along with, education and research.
CDR Performance Indicators:
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our Level 2 | Setting up a Successful DSME Program awards 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
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.
RT is in the hospital with pneumonia. Based on pre lunch glucose check, RT needs 3 units bolus insulin for lunch. RT’s blood glucose before lunch (20 minutes ago) was 173. You walk in room and RT is almost done with lunch.
What is best action?
Research demonstrates the importance of glucose control during hospitalization to improve outcomes not only in the inpatient setting but after discharge. This course reviews the evidence that supports inpatient glucose control & outlines practical strategies to achieve targets in the inpatient setting. We incorporate the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provide links to resources & inpatient management templates.
Objectives:
Learning Outcome:
The diabetes care team will gain insights and knowledge of special considerations, individualized goals, and standards for inpatients with diabetes that they can include in their practice.
Target Audience:
This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs/RDNs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions. The practice areas for RDs/RDNs for CDR reporting are healthcare, preventative care, wellness, and, lifestyle along with, education and research.
CDR Performance Indicators:
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working diabetes specialist and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
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.
When I started in diabetes, we had two injectables, NPH and regular insulin. Fast forward to last month, the FDA evaluated the safety and efficacy of a once-a-week basal insulin called icodec. Citing safety reasons, the FDA denied the approval of icodec for people living with type 1 diabetes based on the data results. While researching this article, I discovered a concerning statistic: about 30% of people with type 1 still use multiple daily injections, especially in under-resourced communities. This statistic highlights the significant gap in access to diabetes technology and access in the U.S., and I consider it a call to action. In addition to detailing icodec insulin in this newsletter, we explore BMI as a health indicator and contemplate if communities would benefit from a more predictive and less stigmatized weight assessment. We prepare for the updated CDCES exam and highlight the significant changes starting July 1st. These changes reflect crucial knowledge needed to promote the best diabetes care. You are invited to check out our targeted resources to support CDCES success and promote excellence in diabetes care. With summer around the corner, we provide strategies to help people move forward with their activity goals and PLAN for setbacks. Plus, we have created a handy activity cheat sheet. Lastly, we are excited to announce that we are opening up the first session of ReVive 5 for FREE. This is a unique opportunity for you to join two experts in the field as they provide concrete strategies to evaluate and address diabetes distress. The session is designed to provide valuable support and care, and we believe it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Our San Diego Scholarships are still open, and we would love to see you at this fun and intensive conference. This is a valuable experience to enhance your knowledge and skills in diabetes care, and we encourage you to consider applying. |
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Sending notes of joy and health, Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Christine, Andrew, and Ginger |
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This two-session training provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to helping people make sense of their glucose data.
The first session is team-taught by experts in the field of diabetes distress and effective communication approaches. Dr. Larry Fisher kicks off the program by describing the difference between depression and distress and interpreting Diabetes Distress screening results. Dr. Susan Guzman uses a case study approach and step-by-step communication strategies to address responses from the Diabetes Distress screening tool. This session includes an abundance of evidence-based approaches that you can apply in your clinical setting.
Coach Beverly leads the second session. During this three-hour program, Beverly describes insulin dosing strategies, meter and sensor data interpretation, and common issues encountered by people using diabetes technology. Case studies include tools to help individuals discover what changes are needed to get glucose to target, coupled with the communication skills discussed in the first session. In conclusion, the team of instructors review a case study that pulls together all the ReVive 5 elements.
Can’t join live? That’s okay. Your registration guarantees you access to the recorded version of the series, along with podcasts and resources for one full year.
Accredited Training Program:
Join us to gain the confidence and learn the skills needed to support people with diabetes to move forward in their self-management and discover the expert within.
Team of Experts:
ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
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.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what is the cause of LS’ ER visit based on lab results. 61% 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: LS is a 29-year-old who arrives in the emergency room with known history of type 2 diabetes. BMI is 23.9 and they are on basal insulin therapy and an oral medication to help “clear extra sugar”. On admission, their blood glucose is 189, pH is 7.2 and LS has 3+ betahydroxybyturate.
What is the most likely cause of these lab results?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 18.63% chose this answer. “LS is omitting insulin to lose weight.” Although this answer is tempting since LS has ketosis and acidosis, it doesn’t explain why the glucose level is so low. With insulin omission, the person would present in ketoacidosis with a blood sugar of 200 or greater. In addition, the question mentions that LS is taking a diabetes pill to help release the sugar through her urine. This is an important clue to get to the best answer.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 4.98% of you chose this answer. “There is a lab error in the glucose reading.” Since LS has ketosis and acidosis, it is confusing as to why the glucose level is so low. With insulin omission, the person would present in ketoacidosis with a blood sugar of 200 or greater. The question also mentions that LS is taking a diabetes pill to help release the sugar through her urine. This is an important clue to get to the best answer.
Answer 3 is correct. About 61.44% of respondents chose this. “LS is taking a SGLT-2 Inhibitor.” GREAT JOB. This is the best answer. LS has ketosis and acidosis, with a glucose level less than 200. Given her history, this meets the criteria for euglycemic DKA. Since the question mentions that LS is taking a diabetes pill to help release the sugar through her urine, this important clue gets us to the best answer. LS is taking a SGLT-2 inhibitor, which can lead to euglycemic DKA, especially during periods of illness or if they are not taking adequate insulin.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 14.94% chose this answer. “New onset gastroparesis.” This answer doesn’t really explain why LS is experiencing acidosis and ketosis. Many people with new onset gastroparesis struggle with post meal hypoglycemia and erratic blood sugar levels, but they do not generally struggle with euglycemic DKA. The question also mentions that LS is taking a diabetes pill to help release the sugar through her urine. This is an important clue to get to the best answer.
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 Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego on October 9-11, 2024.
You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.
Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy!
Each day, we provide a healthy breakfast, including fresh coffee, to kick off your morning. Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively. Plus, we play DiaBingo to reinforce key content and give away prizes. In addition, we provide plenty of movement breaks led by volunteers from the audience. Did we mention delicious lunches and a conference meeting space just minutes from San Diego Bay?
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $559-$799 (based on registration package) per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Time: The course is Wednesday through Friday. Join us for breakfast at 7:00 a.m. each day. The class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
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.
LS has type 1 diabetes and is here for the first visit after confirmation of pregnancy. LS has been using non-adjunctive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) along with insulin pump therapy to manage diabetes. Previous visits have focused on preconception counseling and last A1c was 6.4%.
According to the 2024 ADA Standards of Care, what do we recommend regarding glucose monitoring during pregnancy?
Pregnancy with diabetes is confronted with a variety of issues that require special attention, education, & understanding. This course reviews those special needs while focusing on Gestational Diabetes & Pre-Existing Diabetes. Included are the most recent diagnostic criteria, management goals, & prevention of complications during pregnancy. This is a helpful review for Certification Exams & those who want more information on people who are pregnant & live with diabetes.
Objectives:
Learning Outcome:
Participants will gain knowledge of special considerations, individualized goals, and standards for people experiencing diabetes during pregnancy to improve outcomes.
Target Audience:
This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs/RDNs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions. The practice areas for RDs/RDNs for CDR reporting are healthcare, preventative care, wellness, and, lifestyle along with, education and research.
CDR Performance Indicators:
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working diabetes specialist and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
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.
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Diabetes Education Services offers education and training to diabetes educators in the areas of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes for the novice to the established professional. Whether you are training to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), practicing at an advanced level and interested in board certification, or a health care professional and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who needs continuing education hours to renew your license or CDCES, we have diabetes education information, resources and training; learning and teaching tools; and diabetes online courses available for continuing education (CE). Read our disclaimer for full disclosure.