We had such a great time celebrating 25 years with all of you.

The first highlight of the year was connecting with colleagues at ADCES in Houston. It was like attending a family reunion with thousands of like-minded individuals. So many enthusiastic colleagues stopped me mid-stride to share the news of passing their CDCES or BC-ADM after attending our courses. Many hugs were shared, and there were plenty of tears of joy, too! As a diabetes education veteran, it was a special honor to present one of my passion topics, Revitalizing Your Diabetes Program. As part of my legacy education topics, this presentation is culled from my 30 years of working in the field and braving new approaches, sometimes failing but always moving forward with a clear focus on improving the care received by people with diabetes. Nothing is like the profound connection made with others in a shared community.

We also celebrated our 25th company anniversary for the entire year. Activities included lots of free webinars, new swag, and great sales. 

I started Diabetes Education Services in May of 1998, just after the World Wide Web was introduced, and sending messages through something called “email” was possible. At first, my one-person company only offered live courses at hospitals and meeting sites nationwide. My administrative space consisted of a 10×12 foot room in our home, where I juggled writing my monthly newsletter and updating slides while raising two busy toddlers. In 2010, I took a leap of faith and decided to try offering courses online.

Fast forward to today. Our business has grown to include a fantastic team and a newsletter reaching over 40,000 online subscribers. Our Online University includes over 50 CE courses that we update yearly, plus we offer a CDCES Coach app, blogs, an 8-sided PocketCard, keynote presentations, and more. This year, we held our three day DiabetesEd Course in San Diego and celebrated with a beautiful ocean view, special friends and delicious carrot cake topped with a 25 year candle.

Family celebrations.

My husband and I became empty nesters this year. Our oldest son is a senior at SMU and will graduate with his finance degree in May. Our youngest son is kicking off his chemistry degree at UC Berkeley. I miss the daily bustle and commotion of having my boys around, but I am overjoyed that they have found their place in this world and are boldly moving into adulthood. Of course, I can’t wait till they come home for the holidays so we can play cards, tell stories, and hang out together.

We also celebrated 25 years of marriage. My husband, Kristapor, continues his work as a critical care pharmacist at our local community hospital saving lives and advocating for best care at every turn. At the risk of sounding corny, my husband has been the wind beneath my wings. Having him as my partner throughout this life journey has given me a foundation of trust and love to take risks and live my dream. I am forever grateful that I commented on his cute tie when we worked together at Stanford hospital in 1996. The rest is history.

The truth is, we couldn’t have done any of this without all of YOU, our community. 

I am forever grateful for your willingness to support and believe in a young Diabetes Specialist who had the vision to create a company that uplifted people with diabetes through a blend of science and compassion.

Thanks to our dedicated community of diabetes educators and advocates for celebrating our 25th Anniversary with us. Stay tuned. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

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Join us for our 2024 Diabetes Fundamentals | Level 1 Updates

Airs live from January 11, 2024, to January 30, 2024, at 11:30 am PST

This series is designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in getting started in diabetes education and for those actively working toward becoming a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Each course in this series provides the critical building blocks and foundation for those entering the diabetes field.

Diabetes Fundamentals Sessions 2024 Webinar Updates

All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)

1. January 11, 2024 – Class 1: Getting to the Nitty Gritty | 1.5 CEs
2. January 16, 2024 – Class 2: Nutrition & Exercise 1.5 | CEs
3. January 18, 2024 – Class 3: Meds Overview for Type 2 | 1.5 CEs
4. January 23, 2024 – Class 4: Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management | 1.75 CEs
5. January 25, 2024 –Class 5: Goals of Care & Lower Extremity Assessment | 1.5 CEs
6. January 30, 2024 – Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, & Monitoring | 1.5 CEs

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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FREE Resource Catalog

• Diabetes Cheat Sheets
• Diabetes Blog Bytes
• Medication PocketCards
• 10 Steps to Succeed
• CDCES Coach App
• Free Webinars hosted by Coach Beverly
• Question of the Week
• Free Diabetes Article Library

See Full Free Resource Catalog

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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.

1. Don’t worry about it, the insulin pump will keep your blood sugars on goal.
2. Shall I make an appointment with our mental health specialist so you can explore your feelings?
3. Sounds like you could benefit from a healthy eating coaching session?
4. Lots of people have a tough time eating healthy during the holidays. What was hardest for you?

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

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Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals

Airs live on January 11th-30th, 2024, at 11:30 am PT

Class Topics & Webinar Dates:

• January 11, 2024 – Class 1: Getting to the Nitty Gritty | 1.5 CEs
• January 16, 2024 – Class 2: Nutrition & Exercise 1.5 | CEs
• January 18, 2024 – Class 3: Meds Overview for Type 2 | 1.5 CEs
• January 23, 2024 – Class 4: Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management | 1.75 CEs
• January 25, 2024 –Class 5: Goals of Care & Lower Extremity Assessment | 1.5 CEs
• January 30, 2024 – Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, & Monitoring | 1.5 CEs

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 healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

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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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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.

You are invited to join our upcoming FREE Webinars!

• FREE Test Taking Practice – Jan 9th
• FREE CDCES Prep – Jan 24th

This year was an exciting one at the Cat Bakery, filled with lots of love, joy, and a bit of magic.

Last year I shared our newest addition to the Cat Bakery, Muffin, and the sibling rivalry with her new sister, Biscuit.

I am happy to report their relationship has grown immensely over the past year and while they still fight like sisters do, they have shared many sweet moments taking naps or playing with each other.

This year we sent family holiday cards for Halloween and will be sending more for the winter holidays to our loved ones.

Since we love all of you, we wanted to share these pictures with you of our holiday photoshoots.

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Happy Holidays from Biscuit & Muffin

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Halloween Cards

This year they dressed up as witches for Halloween, apropos of the magic they bring into my life

Sending lots of love this Holiday Season!

Biscuit, Muffin & Bryanna (Director of Operations & Customer Happiness)

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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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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.

1. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have the highest weight loss efficacy.
2. Metformin may be only safely used in people with an estimated GFR of 45 or greater.
3. Avoid dual GIP and GLP-1 RA therapy in people with gastroparesis.
4. Consider combination therapy in people presenting with A1C levels 1.5–2.0% above goal.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

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Meds Management Update for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21st, 2023, at 11:30 am PT

Topics:

• Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
• Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
• List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

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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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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.

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Join us for our upcoming How to Assess Well-Being | From Populations to Individuals

Airs live on December 19th, 2023, at 11:30 am PT

Topics:

• State strategies to assess & address social determinants of health.
• Discuss healthcare delivery systems using a person-centered approach.
• List screening tools that can help detect depression, trauma, & cognitive decline.
• Describe psycho-social & emotional barriers to diabetes self-management.
• Provide strategies for healthcare professionals to identify & overcome barriers to self-care.

This course offers critical content that will help with certification exam success. Coach Beverly will delve into Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, & behavior change approaches.

She will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors & provide strategies to identify & overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. This is a great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment & coping strategies.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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Meds Management for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21st, 2023, at 11:30 am PT

Topics:

• Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
• Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
• List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

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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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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 difference between a CDCES & BC-ADM. 57% 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: What best describes the difference between a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and a person Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM)?

Answer Choices:

1. A bachelor’s degree or higher is required to obtain a CDCES.
2. BC-ADMs are responsible for increased complexity in decision making.
3. With an advanced degree, BC-ADM’s are qualified to set up an independent practice.
4. The main difference is that BC-ADM’s prescribe medications based on diagnosis.

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Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is incorrect. 8.68% chose this answer.” A bachelor’s degree or higher is required to obtain a CDCES.”

Eligibility to take the exam is based on licensure, registration, or certification. According to the CDCES website, the following health care professionals meet the discipline requirement.

• Clinical psychologist
• Occupational therapist
• Optometrist
• Pharmacist
• Physical therapist
• Physician (M.D. or D.O.)
• Podiatrist
• Registered nurse (includes nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists)
• Dietitian or dietitian nutritionist holding active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• PA holding active registration with the NCCPA
• Exercise physiologist holding active certification as an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP®)
• Health educator holding active certification as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
• Master’s degree in social work

Answer 2 is correct. 56.62% of you chose this answer.” BC-ADMs are responsible for increased complexity in decision making.”

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 15.68% of respondents chose this. “With an advanced degree, BC-ADM’s are qualified to set up an independent practice.”

This is a juicy answer but is not correct. Let’s say I want to set up shop as a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Public Health. I also have my CDCES and BC-ADM. Even with my BC-ADM, I couldn’t bill for services, and under whose oversight would I see people with diabetes and make treatment recommendations?

Again, it’s not the BC-ADM that creates the opportunity to set up an independent practice. As a licensed RN, I can’t set up an independent practice and bill for my services in my state. Certification does not change your scope of practice and can come from different organizations. Each state’s licensure and scope of practice regulations come from a governmental authority. We must practice within the legal parameters of our scope of practice based on licensure.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 19.03% chose this answer. “The main difference is that BC-ADM’s prescribe medications based on diagnosis.”

The BC-ADM is a certification exam and it does not confer prescriptive authority. Only those with certain licenses can prescribe medications, and the regulations can vary from state to state. For example, I am a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Public Health. I also have my CDCES and BC-ADM. As a licensed RN, I do not have prescriptive authority. Certification does not change your scope of practice and can come from different organizations. Licensure comes from governmental authority.

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!

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CDCES or BC-ADM, Which Certification is Right for Me?

Now Recorded & Ready for OnDemand Viewing

Topics:

• Discuss the similarities and differences between the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials.
  • CDCES or certified diabetes care and education specialist  
  • BC-ADM or board certification in advanced diabetes management  
• List the academic and experiential qualifications to take both exams.
• Explore which certification best match your personal and professional goals.
• Describe the steps to study and prepare for exam success for both certifications.

Coach Beverly is excited to share her insights on determining the best certification choice and the pathway to success.  She will share her personal journey on achieving both her CDCES and BC-ADM over 20 years ago and how these credentials have impacted her opportunities as a diabetes specialist and president of her own company. We hope you can join us!

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

Interested in diabetes certification, but not sure where to start? Find your Study Path and Tools that are right for you based on this quick survey.

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Meds Management Update for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21, 2023, at 11:30 am PST

Topics:

• Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
• Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
• List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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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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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.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved tirzepatide (Zepbound) injection for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or with a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol) this November. Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.

Up to 25% body weight loss

The SURMOUNT clinical trials demonstrated that tirzepatide therapy not only improved glucose levels but also had a substantial impact on body weight reduction. At the highest dose (15 mg), people taking Zepbound lost on average 48 lb., while at the lowest dose (5 mg), people lost on average 34 lb. (compared to 7 lb. on placebo).

Additionally, 1 in 3 clinical participants taking Zepbound at the highest dose lost over 58 lb. (25% of body weight), compared to 1.5% on placebo, according to data not controlled for type 1 error. The average starting weight was 231 lb. Zepbound is recommended along with healthy eating and increased activity.

About the SURMOUNT clinical trial program
The SURMOUNT phase 3 global clinical development program for tirzepatide in chronic weight management began in late 2019 and has enrolled more than 5,000 people with obesity or overweight across six registration studies, four of which are global. SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2 were submitted to the FDA and demonstrated tirzepatide significantly reduced body weight compared with placebo in people living with obesity or overweight, with or without type 2 diabetes.

The dual action of tirzepatide on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors allows for a comprehensive approach to blood sugar regulation with substantial weight loss. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is already approved under the trade name Mounjaro to be used along with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. With this new FDA approval for weight loss, people who meet the BMI and risk criteria qualify to use this novel medication class, whether or not they have diabetes.

Cost

Zepbound is expected to be available in the U.S. by the end of the year in six doses (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg) at a list price of $1,059.87

Side effects:

Zepbound may be associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. The most commonly reported adverse events (observed in ? 5% of clinical trial participants) were nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, injection-site reactions, fatigue, hypersensitivity reactions, eructation, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. In studies, most nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting occurred when people increased their dose – but the effects generally decreased over time. Zepbound may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, and avoid using if there is a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

For more information, see FDA Approval Information.

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Want to learn more about Diabetes Medications?

Meds Management Update for Type 2 Diabetes

Airs live on December 21, 2023, at 11:30 am PST

Topics:

• Describe the role of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
• Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
• List strategies to initiate & adjust oral & injectable therapy using a person-centered approach.

In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. She kicks-it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.

Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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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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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.