Upcoming webinars | FREE Behavior Change Theories & 2024 CDCES Exam Prep
Be a part of our diabetes community while learning about the latest in diabetes care.
Plus, Coach Beverly provides an interactive question and answer session at the end of each live webinar.
FREE – Behavior Change Theories Made Easy
Airs live on March 20, 2024, at 11:30 am PT
Topics:
- Describe 4 of the most common behavior change theories.
- Discuss how to apply these theories in clinical practice.
- List the steps in the transtheoretical model
- Have fun testing these theories out in real life.
Keeping all the behavior change and learning theories straight can be daunting, especially if you are trying to get to the “best” answer for certification exams. Coach Beverly feels your pain and wants to help out. To say thanks for 25 years, she’s hosting a FREE Behavior Change Webinar to sort out and dissect the theories most relevant in clinical practice and for exam preparation.
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.
Enroll for FREE (No CEs) or for $19 to Earn 1.0 CEs
FREE Webinar! 2024 CDCES Exam Prep
Airs live on March 21, 2024, at 11:30 am PT
Topics:
- Exam requirement updates for 2024.
- Exam eligibility and new test format starting in July 2024
- Strategies to succeed along with a review of study tips and test-taking tactics.
- We will review sample test questions and the reasoning behind choosing the right answers.
- Learn how to focus your time and prepare to take the CDCES Exam. We provide plenty of sample test questions and test-taking tips!
3 Reasons to Become a CDCES
“The best part of becoming a CDCES is working with my colleagues and people living with diabetes. As diabetes educators, we hear compelling and beautiful life stories. I am astounded by the barriers they face and inspired by their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience.“
– Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
Reason 1: CDCES is a widely recognized certification by employers and health care professionals throughout the U.S. This credential demonstrates a specialized and in-depth knowledge in the prevention and treatment of individuals living with pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Reason 2: Currently, 13% of people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 36% have pre-diabetes which means 49% of Americans are running around with elevated blood glucose levels. Given this epidemic, there will be plenty of future job opportunities.
Reason 3: Having my CDCES along with my nursing degree, has opened many doors of opportunity; from working as an inpatient Diabetes Nurse Specialist in a hospital to working as a Manager of Diabetes Education in the outpatient setting to starting my own consulting company.
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.
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!
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.
Upcoming webinars | Behavior Change Theories, 2024 Boot Camp Series
Be a part of our diabetes community while learning about the latest in diabetes care. Plus, Coach Beverly provides an interactive question and answer session at the end of each live webinar.
Behavior Change Theories Made Easy
Airs live on March 20, 2024, at 11:30 am PT
Topics:
- Describe 4 of the most common behavior change theories.
- Discuss how to apply these theories in clinical practice.
- List the steps in the transtheoretical model
- Have fun testing these theories out in real life.
Keeping all the behavior change and learning theories straight can be daunting, especially if you are trying to get to the “best” answer for certification exams. Coach Beverly feels your pain and wants to help out. To say thanks for 25 years, she’s hosting a FREE Behavior Change Webinar to sort out and dissect the theories most relevant in clinical practice and for exam preparation.
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.
Join us for our upcoming 2024 Boot Camp Series
Airs live February 13th – March 19th, 2024, at 11:30 am PT
Class Topics & Webinar Dates:
- February 13, 2024 – Boot Camp 1: Diabetes | Not Just Hyperglycemia | 1.75 CEs
- February 15, 2024 – Boot Camp 2: Standards of Care & Cardiovascular Goals | 1.8 CEs
- February 20, 2024 – Boot Camp 3: Meds for Type 2 | What you need to know | 1.75 CEs
- February 22, 2024 – Boot Camp 4: Insulin Therapy | From Basal/Bolus to Pattern Management | 1.75 CEs
- February 27, 2024 – Boot Camp 5: Insulin Intensive & Risk Reduction | Monitoring, Sick Days, Lower Extremities | 1.75 CEs
- February 29, 2024 – Boot Camp 6: Medical Nutrition Therapy | 1.75 CEs
- March 12, 2024 – Boot Camp 7: Microvascular Complications & Exercise | Screen, Prevent, Treat | 1.75 CEs
- March 14, 2024 – Boot Camp 8: Coping & Behavior Change | 1.75 CEs
- March 19, 2024 – Boot Camp 9: Test-Taking Coach Session (48 Questions) | No CE
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.
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.
Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, winner of the 2023 Impact on Diabetes Award, is a leader in the field of nutrition, technology, and diabetes care. Her years of expertise combined with her person-centered approach and work ethic, make her a perfect speaker for this nutrition and activity focused content.
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!
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.
Rationale of the Week | Best approach for Religious Fasting?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what is the best approach for religious fasting. 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: The 2024 Standards of Care reported individuals who fast have an increased risk for hypoglycemia, dehydration, hyperglycemia, and ketoacidosis.
Which of the following is an accurate health care statement regarding recommendations for religious fasting?
Answer Choices:
- Recommend continuing with usual diet and medication regimens to ensure glucose stability and reduce health risks.
- Accommodate a person’s choice for religious fasting.
- Advise people with diabetes taking insulin about the need to avoid religious fasting due to risk of hypoglycemia.
- Provide education on religious fasting only when evidence indicates risk.
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. 5.59% chose this answer. “Recommend continuing with usual diet and medication regimens to ensure glucose stability and reduce health risks.” Although religious fasting does change a person’s usual diet, sleep, and potentially medication regimen, evidence has shown that with education, most people with diabetes can safely complete a religious fast.
Answer 2 is correct. 75.42% of you chose this answer. “Accommodate a person’s choice for religious fasting.” Based on the 2024 Standards of Care, healthcare providers should accommodate a person’s choice for religious fasting.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 6.78% of respondents chose this. “Advise people with diabetes taking insulin about the need to avoid religious fasting due to risk of hypoglycemia.” Although risk assessment is essential to review with each person with diabetes, the use of insulin is not a singular determinant of risk. Often, dose adjustments can reduce risk. The article “Diabetes and Ramadan: Practical Guidelines 2021”, referenced in the 2024 Standards of Care, includes a detailed description of how to stratify individual risk.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 12.20% chose this answer. “Provide education on religious fasting only when evidence indicates risk.” Healthcare providers should inquire about religious fasting and provide proactive education on monitoring glucose and how to modify medications, meal choices pre/post fast, fluid consumption, and activity planning.
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!
Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Join us Live on April 17th – 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM PST
Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, and “aha” moments for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 17th – 19th, 2024.
Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a refreshed understanding of the latest advances in person-centered diabetes care. Our team highlights the ADA Standards of Care, medications, behavior change, technology, medical nutrition therapy, and more!
Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively.
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $449 per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Program Details
- Dates: April 17-19th, 2024
- Registration Fee: $399-$569 (see more about reg. options below)
- Friend Discount: For 3 or more people, each person saves $50 off their registration. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
- CEs: 30+ CEs | 18 units for Virtual Conference plus 10+ Bonus CEs. CEs can be applied toward CDCES’s initial application or renewal.
- Speakers: View Conference Faculty
Registration Options
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!
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.
Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day!
These treasured food and nutrition experts translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthier living.
Some of my favorite people are RD/RDNs. I’ve been blessed to teach with many inspiring, kind, knowledgeable, and dynamic dietitians over a span of more than 20 years. RDN’s are trailblazers and advocates for improving the health of our communities through nutrition and are passionate about sharing their breadth of knowledge with their diabetes community and colleagues alike.
People with diabetes who meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) can expect an A1C drop of 0.3% to 2.0%.
We are honored to highlight the significant impact RDNs have on individuals, communities, and society as a whole by promoting healthy eating habits, preventing disease, and improving our overall quality of life by encouraging us to eat a rainbow of foods filled with fiber and phytonutrients.
To celebrate Registered Dietitian Day, we are highlighting a leader in the field and the newest member of our DiabetesEd Team, Christine Craig.
Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES – Nutrition Content Expert and Contributor
We are excited to welcome our newest faculty member! Christine is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and a consultant dietitian. It is important to her that each person living with diabetes feels supported and empowered not only with information but an individualized approach for lifelong health. Winner of the 2023 Impact on Diabetes Award, she is a leader in the field of nutrition, technology, and diabetes care. She has served as a preceptor, lecturer, researcher, and is an active association board member. She has worked across health systems; within Diabetes Care Centers, Endocrinology clinics, Primary Care, Telemedicine Rural Health, and Virtual-First Primary Care. Currently she is owner of Nutrition for Daily Living, where it is her mission to increase access to compassionate and evidenced-based nutrition and diabetes care.
As an adventurer, travel, hiking and snow skiing are her favorite past-times. For Christine, having a moment to take in the landscape and beauty around us can re-energize and fuel a busy life.
Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
Featured Articles by Christine
Register for our Virtual Conference to enjoy a half-day presentation on Medical Nutrition Therapy!
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Question of the Week | Assessing for Food Insecurity with Diabetes
Food insecurity affects 16% of adults with diabetes compared with 9% of adults without diabetes.
Based on the ADA standards of care, which is the most accurate statement regarding food insecurity and people with diabetes?
- Food insecurity is defined as uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate food at least once a week.
- Conduct food insecurity screening and income assessment once every 3-5 years.
- Any health care team member can screen for food insecurity using The Hunger Vital Sign.
- People with food insecurity are less likely to experience hyperglycemia due to decreased caloric intake.
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Want to learn more about this question?
Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Join us Live
April 17th – 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM PST
Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, and “aha” moments for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 17th – 19th, 2024.
Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a refreshed understanding of the latest advances in person-centered diabetes care. Our team highlights the ADA Standards of Care, medications, behavior change, technology, medical nutrition therapy, and more!
Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively.
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $449 per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Program Details
- Dates: April 17-19th, 2024
- Registration Fee: $399-$569 (see more about reg. options below)
- Friend Discount: For 3 or more people, each person saves $50 off their registration. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
- CEs: 30+ CEs | 18 units for Virtual Conference plus 10+ Bonus CEs. CEs can be applied toward CDCES’s initial application or renewal.
- Speakers: View Conference Faculty
Registration Options
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!
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.
March 2024 eNews | Plant Based Eating, Untangling Weight Stigma, Mohammed Ali Shares a Recipe for Life
Happy March
We love celebrating National Nutrition Month and the registered dietitian nutritionists who help us maintain the pleasure of eating while empowering us to make informed decisions about daily food choices.
We are honored to highlight the significant impact RDNs have on individuals, communities, and society as a whole by promoting healthy eating habits, preventing disease, and improving our overall quality of life by encouraging us to eat a rainbow of foods filled with fiber and phytonutrients.
In this newsletter, we explore different types of plant-based diets and recognize that accumulating evidence supports the benefits of this approach, including the prevention of type 2 diabetes. We include lots of additional resources to explore and share.
Next, Coach Beverly shares a personal story about confronting weight stigma during a provider visit. She asks readers to raise awareness in their settings and advocate for weight-inclusive and respectful care for each individual.
We share Mohammed Ali’s “Recipe for Life” as we consider including this recipe and all of its’ ingredients in our daily lives.
Our guest contributor, Nick Kundrant, provides insights into the transformative power of a positive mindset based on his book, “Positively Type 1”. His message of empathy, resilience, and a holistic approach to health care is inspiring, Thanks, Nick!
Finally, we are excited to announce our “Connect with Coach Beverly” live Facebook event on March 13th! Test your knowledge with our nutrition-inspired Questions and Rationales of the Week!
Sending notes of joy and health,
Coach Beverly and Bryanna
Featured Articles
- Plant Based Eating – What Approach is Best?
- Untangling Weight Stigma at Medical Appts
- Recipe for Life
- Coach Beverly Connects – Airs March 13th
- Positively Type 1 – Guest Blog by Nick Kundrat
- Question of the Week
- Rationale of the Week
Upcoming Webinars
- Behavior Change Theories Made Easy – March 20
- Prep for CDCES – March 21
- Microvascular Disease – Reducing Risk on April 11th
- Cardiovascular Disease & Diabetes – April 13
- Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – April 17-19
- ReVive 5 – May 22nd & 29th
- Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing
Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing
Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Join us Live on April 17th – 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM PST
Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, and “aha” moments for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 17th – 19th, 2024.
Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a refreshed understanding of the latest advances in person-centered diabetes care. Our team highlights the ADA Standards of Care, medications, behavior change, technology, medical nutrition therapy, and more!
Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively.
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $449 per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Program Details
- Dates: April 17-19th, 2024
- Registration Fee: $399-$569 (see more about reg. options below)
- Friend Discount: For 3 or more people, each person saves $50 off their registration. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
- CEs: 30+ CEs | 18 units for Virtual Conference plus 10+ Bonus CEs. CEs can be applied toward CDCES’s initial application or renewal.
- Speakers: View Conference Faculty
- Conference Schedule >
- Conference Flyer >
Click Here for Registration Options
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.
Rationale of the Week | Best action to address sudden Hyperglycemia due to Cellulitis?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on addressing sudden hyperglycemia due to cellulitis. 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: RL is 83, has Latent Autoimmune Diabetes, and takes degludec 17 units every morning along with metformin 500 XR twice daily. RL tells you that their left leg was suddenly swollen and red, so they went to urgent care and were started on a course of antibiotics. In the meantime, their CGM is showing elevated blood sugars in the 200 to 350 range during the day but often less than 100 at night. RL weighs 70kg, with a BMI of 23.4.
Based on this information, what action do you suggest?
Answer Choices:
- Decrease carbohydrate intake by 20-25% until the infection subsides.
- Increase the degludec by 20% to get blood glucose levels to target.
- Encourage RL to walk after meals to decrease post prandial blood sugar levels.
- Suggest initiation of bolus insulin once or twice daily.
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. 10.02% chose this answer. “Decrease carbohydrate intake by 20-25% until the infection subsides.” Since RL has elevated glucose levels due to infection, drastically decreasing carbohydrate intake is not the best approach to manage glucose levels. We want to ensure RL has adequate nutrition given her infection and age.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 15.36% of you chose this answer. “Increase the degludec by 20% to get blood glucose levels to target.” It seems that RL needs more insulin to lower daytime glucose levels. However, RL is experiencing glucose levels less than 100 overnight, which puts them at risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. If we increase basal insulin by 20%, this dramatic increase could cause a dangerous drop in overnight glucose levels and is not recommended.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 8.68% of respondents chose this. “Encourage RL to walk after meals to decrease post prandial blood sugar levels.” Keeping active is always a good idea, but with blood sugars running 200-350 during the day, walking after meals won’t be enough to get glucose levels to target. Plus, it may not be safe to promote walking since they have an infection and a leg that is swollen and red.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 65.94% chose this answer. “Suggest initiation of bolus insulin once or twice daily.” YES, this the best answer. Counterregulatory hormones are released during periods of infection that contribute to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. To get blood glucose levels to target, RL will need daytime bolus insulin to manage the hyperglycemia, which will promote healing. Of course, treatment with antibiotics will also help to lower glucose levels.
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!
Want to learn more about this question?
Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference – Join us Live on April 17th – 19th 2024 at 11:30 AM PST
Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, and “aha” moments for our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference April 17th – 19th, 2024.
Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a refreshed understanding of the latest advances in person-centered diabetes care. Our team highlights the ADA Standards of Care, medications, behavior change, technology, medical nutrition therapy, and more!
Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively.
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $449 per person. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Program Details
- Dates: April 17-19th, 2024
- Registration Fee: $399-$569 (see more about reg. options below)
- Friend Discount: For 3 or more people, each person saves $50 off their registration. Email us at [email protected] with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
- CEs: 30+ CEs | 18 units for Virtual Conference plus 10+ Bonus CEs. CEs can be applied toward CDCES’s initial application or renewal.
- Speakers: View Conference Faculty
Registration Options
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!
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.
Rationale of the Week | RS Doesn’t Want to Get Weighed
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on how to approach a person who does not want to be weighed during a quarterly diabetes appointment. 60% of respondents chose the best answer. If you are interested in learning more about the importance of providing weight inclusive care, this practice test question will set you up for success.
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it here: Answer Question
Question:
RS arrives at their quarterly diabetes provider appointment and the medical assistant walks them to the scale, in the clinic hallway, to get their weight. RS politely explains that they feel uncomfortable being weighed but they are happy to share their stated weight. The medical assistant once again encourages RS to get on the scale and reassures RS that they don’t need to look at or know their weight. RS sighs, takes off their shoes and reluctantly gets on the scale to be weighed.
Which of the following best describes the end result of this situation?
Answer Choices:
- The medical assistant used a person-centered approach to respect the wishes of RS.
- RS exhibited non-adherence and reconsidered their request.
- According to the transtheoretical model, RS was in preparation stage and needed gentle encouragement.
- The clinic staff would benefit from an inservice on providing weight inclusive care.
Getting to the Best Answer
If you are interested in providing weight inclusive care, this practice test question will set you up for success. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 15.91% chose this answer. “The medical assistant used a person-centered approach to respect the wishes of RS.” Instead of honoring the request to not be weighed, the medical assistant insisted RS step on the scale. A person centered, weight inclusive approach would respect RS’s request not to be weighed and accepted their stated weight.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 8.39% of you chose this answer. “RS exhibited non-adherence and reconsidered their request.” People with diabetes have the right to be weighed in a private space and they also have the right to decline to be weighed. In this situation, RS’s weight is not required to provide safe and effective medical care.RS is not “non-adherent”, they are simply expressing their need not to step on the scale.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 15.70% of respondents chose this. “According to the transtheoretical model, RS was in preparation stage and needed gentle encouragement.” This juicy answer does not reflect the situation in the medical office at the scale. RS did not state that they were working on being comfortable with being weighed or that it would be helpful to be weighed. Instead RS told the MA twice that they don’t want to be weighed, but their request was not honored.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 60% chose this answer. “The clinic staff would benefit from an inservice on providing weight inclusive care.” YES, this is the best answer. If the staff were informed about weight inclusive care and reducing weight stigma, they would have honored RS’s request not to be weighed and documented their stated weight. This inclusive approach would help RS feel seen, heard and respected. RS would gain a positive association with their medical team and be more likely to return for future appointments.
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 important learning activity!
Want to learn more about Weight Stigma?
Enjoy our blog – Untangling Weight Stigma at Medical Visits.
Weight stigma in medical appointments is a significant issue that can have detrimental effects on the individuals’ physical and mental health. It refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes healthcare providers may hold towards individuals with extra weight. This stigma can manifest in various ways during medical appointments, including biased treatment, assumptions about the person’s lifestyle or health behaviors, and even neglect of legitimate health concerns unrelated to weight.
Although I disguised this question and situation as happening to RS, this question is based on my own personal experience. My goal in sharing this with all of you is not only to raise awareness of this often-overlooked barrier to care but a call to take action in our places of work to provide more weight inclusive environments.
Action Steps to Untangle Weight Stigma in Medical Appointments:
Awareness and Education: participate in training programs to help care providers recognize and address weight bias. A great resource is Inclusive Diabetes Care.
Language Matters: Use neutral and respectful language when discussing weight-related issues.
Focus on Health, Not Weight: Shift the focus of medical appointments from weight to overall health and well-being.
Individualized Care: Recognize the individual and understand their story around weight.
Create Supportive Environments: Design healthcare settings that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals of all sizes.
Advocate for Systemic Change: Addressing weight stigma requires systemic change within the healthcare system and society as a whole. Healthcare providers can advocate for policies that promote health equity, combat weight bias in research and media, and support initiatives that address social determinants of health.
By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can help untangle weight stigma in medical appointments and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all patients, regardless of their size.
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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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