To celebrate this update, we will be basing our 2019 Questions of the Week on this content outline. (See a snippet of the NCBDE content outline to the left or click on it to see the complete outline.)
These targeted questions are designed to help assess your knowledge on the topics critical to diabetes educators.
In addition, if you are preparing to take the exam, we strongly encourage you to go through each of these sub-categories and rate your knowledge on a scale of 1-5. Based on this self-assessment, spend the majority of your study time on the topic areas you are least comfortable with. This approach will help you become familiar with the exam content and to use your limited study time wisely.
Assessment of the Diabetes Continuum – Learning
For this question in this series, we focus on the Assessment Section, under learning. Here is the question that addresses learning goals and needs of the learner. Good luck!
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!
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Higher risk of alcohol and mental health problems in diabetes – Mindful Monday
A new study suggests a concerning correlation between mental health problems and diabetes. The study, conducted by Universities of Helsinki and Tampere and Helsinki University Hospital, investigated the relationship between diabetes the the risk of death due to mental health problems.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular events, cancer and kidney disease. However, this is not the only concerning health risk that is associated with diabetes.
One study published in the Journal of Medicine and Life in 2016, for instance, discovered that the occurrence of depression in people with diabetes is two to three times higher than in other individuals.
Many people with diabetes have spoken out about their mental health problems associated with the disease. The study suggests that these mental health issues put those with diabetes at a greater risk of death due to suicide, alcohol and accidents. Interestingly, those who required self-injecting insulin were at an even greater risk!
The pressure of monitoring and balancing glucose levels, “combined with the anxiety of developing serious complications like heart or kidney disease may also take their toll on psychological well-being.”
All of these findings speak to the fact that mental health assessment and support should play a greater role in disease management. These problems can be managed, but only if they are communicated first.
“Diet high in vitamin C could protect against gestational diabetes”
A new study finds that women who incorporate more vitamin C into their diets, lower their risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Nianhong Yang, PhD, a professor and director of the department of nutrition and food hygiene at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Hubei, China, studied the data of over three thousand pregnant women during the gestational period. Participants provided lifestyle information through a questionnaire and vitamin C supplement intake and dietary behavior were assessed via in-person interviews.
“The researchers defined dietary vitamin C intake into three groups: inadequate (< 115 mg per day), adequate (115 mg per day to 200 mg per day) and above adequate (> 200 mg per day).”
During the study 344 women developed gestational diabetes and 744 women had “inadequate” vitamin C intake. “The primary source of dietary vitamin C consumption was leafy green vegetables, cabbage and chili, along with other fruits and vegetables.”
The study found that women with above adequate vitamin C intake were less likely to develop gestational diabetes. However, women with inadequate had a negative correlation with gestational diabetes.
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!
To celebrate this update, we will be basing our 2019 Questions of the Week on this content outline. (See a snippet of the NCBDE content outline to the left or click on it to see the complete outline.)
These targeted questions are designed to help assess your knowledge on the topics critical to diabetes educators.
In addition, if you are preparing to take the exam, we strongly encourage you to go through each of these sub-categories and rate your knowledge on a scale of 1-5. Based on this self-assessment, spend the majority of your study time on the topic areas you are least comfortable with. This approach will help you become familiar with the exam content and to use your limited study time wisely.
Assessment of the Diabetes Continuum – Learning
For this question in this series, we focus on the Assessment Section, under learning. Here is the question that addresses learning goals and needs of the learner. Good luck!
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!
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Happy National Heart Month | Mindful Monday
February is National Heart Month!
This month we want to help our communities lower their risk of heart disease. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease and twice as likely to die from heart attack or stroke. However, a recent survey suggest only about half of those living with diabetes are aware of the elevated risk.
“That’s why the ADA and the AHA, along with industry leaders, have teamed up to form the “Know Diabetes By Heart” initiative. These powerhouse organizations want to raise awareness and understanding of the link between people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and empower people to reduce their risk for heart disease.”
And we want to help by sharing the incredible resources they have put together for health care professionals. Please enjoy the resources below:
Please refer people with Type 2 diabetes to https://knowdiabetesbyheart.org/ for resources including a quiz to test their knowledge of the link between diabetes and heart disease.
Thank you for helping get the word out!
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!
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Free Resource Friday | Preparing for the CDCES Exam Webinar!
Join us for free on March 1st @ 11:30 am PST
Join us to get ready to succeed a the CDCES Exam. This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test taking readiness.
Topics covered include:
Changes in requirements for 2019
Exam eligibility and test format
Strategies to succeed
Review of study tips and test taking tactics.
We will review sample test questions, and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Intended Audience: This FREE webinar is designed for individual or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants and other health care providers interested in achieving excellence in diabetes care and becoming Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists®.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator who has passed her CDCES Exam 6 times. She is a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.
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!
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“Remembering Quincy, a Beloved Koala with Type 1 Diabetes”
Credit: San Diego Zoo
In the summer of 2018, the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute and San Diego Zoo teamed up to help Quincy, a koala, manage his diabetes. Quincy was well-known for being diagnosed with diabetes and then treated with a CGM (continuous glucose monitor).
“Working with Quincy allowed us to extend our digital technology into an entirely new population,” said Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, corporate vice president for the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute
Interestingly, Dr. Tsimikas reported that working with Quincy gave additional insight into working with someone who was unable to speak, like a person who is unconscious due to hypoglycemia or a small child.
The CGM transmitted Quincy’s blood glucose levels to an app, which helped caretakers manage his Diabetes. Prior to using the CGM, the zoo staff would have to prick Quincy many times a day.
Quincy passed in late 2018 due to pneumonia but continues to be a beloved mascot for those with diabetes.
“Hopefully our experience with Quincy provided new approaches to the Zoo, not only for marsupials but for other species that may develop diabetes and need ongoing therapy for the future.”
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!
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“Many Americans Slicing Meat From Their Diet”
A recent study by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore has found that Americans are beginning to cut down on poultry, fish, and red meat consumption. The two primary findings for this study, include the cost of meat products as well as their negative implications towards health and the environment.
The research provided a survey to 1,100 individuals asking them about their meat consumption habits over the past three years. Lead scientist, Roni Neff, says, “Many Americans continue to have strong preferences for meat, but this survey adds to a growing body of evidence that a significant portion of the population may be purposefully reducing their meat consumption.”
55% of participants reduced overall meat consumption and 41% cut down on red meat specifically. 64% of the participants who reduced overall meat consumption admitted to doing so due to finances. This was evident as individuals with incomes less than $25,000 were more likely to decrease meat intake while households bringing in $75,000+ were less likely. 42% chose to have meatless meals, 32% had meatless days, and 9% avoided meat altogether.
It was also reported that middle aged individuals (ages 45-59) were more likely to decrease intake than younger participants. Women typically ate less than men as well. Individuals who did not curb meat intake “felt that meat was essential for a healthy diet.”
The survey is thought to help fuel future campaigns on the importance of raising awareness about nutrition, plant-based eating and the effect meat production has on the environment.
“The report was published recently in the journal Public American Nutrition.”
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!
A new study finds that women who incorporate more vitamin C into their diets, lower their risk of developing gestational diabetes. 
According to the 
A recent study by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore has found that Americans are beginning to cut down on poultry, fish, and red meat consumption. The two primary findings for this study, include the cost of meat products as well as their negative implications towards health and the environment.
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