For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on counting every pen(ny.) 47% 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: KL takes 5-10 units of insulin glulisine (Apidra) based on an insulin scale before each of their 3 daily meals and 30 units of glargine (Basaglar) at bedtime.
Based on this information, how many u-100 glulisine (Apidra) insulin pens would KL use a month?
Answer Choices:
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, get rid of false answers, do any math very carefully and choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 6.31% chose this answer. “2 vials.” One way to quickly eliminate a wrong answer is to see if the units in the question match the units in the answer. The question asks, “How many pens” would JR need a month and this answer is in “vials”. We can cross this one off as false. **See complete math explanation below.
Answer 2 is correct. 46.64% of you chose this answer. “4 pens.” YES.. Great job. You not only calculated JR’s insulin needs, but added in extra insulin for priming too! **See complete math explanation below.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 16.24% of respondents chose this. “6 pens.” This was a juicy answer that lured respondents into adding together the glulisine and glargine dose. The answer only asks for how many glulisine pens would JR need a month. **See complete math explanation below.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 30.82% chose this answer. “3 pens.” This was the juiciest answer of all. However, it doesn’t take into account the 2 units of insulin used to prime the pen before each injection. Also, if they had 3 pens of 300 units each, what if they made a mistake or wasted a dose, or needed a little extra.. they might be short on insulin. We always want to allow for a little cushion, just in case. **See complete math explanation below.
**Complete explanation – Doing the math.
If JR takes 5-10 units of insulin glulisine (Apidra) 3 times a day, we have to assume they will be taking the highest dose each time, so they don’t run out of insulin. That means JR uses 30 units a day of glulisine. 30 units a day x 30 days in a month = 900 units. But wait, JR needs to prime the pen first with a 2 unit “air shot” before each injection to make sure insulin is flowing through the needle before each of their 3 injections. So this means that JR is using up to 12 units of insulin 3 times a day or 36 units x 30 days = 1,080 units of glulisine a month. The next thing we need to know is that each U-100 glulisine pen holds 300 units of insulin (see our Insulin Storage Cheat Sheet 2023). Now, we can do the math. JR uses 1,080 units of insulin a day. Since each pen holds 300 units, we take 1080 and divide by 300 for a total of 3.6. This means JR will need 4 pens of glulisine each month to manage their diabetes.
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!
Whether you are a novice or an expert in providing diabetes care, we invite you to attend this exciting training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management that will revolutionize your practice.
“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.
Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:
Accredited Training Program:
Speakers Interviews – Learn more about the ReVive 5 Team
What is the Biggest Takeaway when Addressing Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Susan Guzman
Do you have to be a Mental Health Expert to Tackle Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Lawrence Fisher
Why I Transformed my Approach to Diabetes Self-Management Education- Coach Beverly
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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 some people with diabetes, the thought of “exercise” can seem downright terrifying. We can help lift that fear by encouraging them to start with baby steps and substitute the term “activity” for “exercise”. Reassuring people that “any movement is better than no movement” allows them to shift their perspective and give themselves credit for something as simple as walking to the mailbox.
With spring in the air, it’s a perfect time to take a fresh approach to encourage activity.
The majority of people with diabetes are aware that regular activity is integral to diabetes self-care. With thoughtful coaching, we can support them to meet the target of 150 minutes of walking (or other activity) a week coupled with strength training.
Coach Beverly has outlined five strategies that she has found helpful in encouraging people to move more.
The goal is to accumulate about thirty minutes of activity a day, so taking a 10-minute walk after breakfast means they are one-third of the way there. Other activities that count include; gardening, housework, yard work, shopping, chasing kids, and those dance moves people do when no one is looking,
Starting and keeping new habits is challenging. By integrating activity into everyday life, people are likelier to keep it up. If the movement brings them joy, that is an added benefit. An excellent starting strategy is asking them what activities they like. Then explore if they can add it to their typical day. For example, taking a walk during a lunch break or hitting the gym before heading home. What about lifting weights with the kids or helping with after-dinner cleanup instead of relaxing in that favorite comfy chair? Joining an organized sport or dance class is also an option.
Download Activity Cheat Sheet
These simple sentences capture people’s attention and help them take that first step toward more movement. Please feel free to borrow and use these sayings in your practice!
Even the best-made plans may go differently than envisioned. Being ready for setbacks early on helps people set realistic expectations. As diabetes specialists, we can prepare people for obstacles and setbacks and remind them that a falter does not equal failure. According to Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, MD, assisting individuals to prepare for barriers with a PLAN helps for a quicker recovery.
PLAN stands for:
Encourage people to avoid black-and-white thinking, like, “Well, I missed my planned workout, so I might as well just give up.” Getting back on track as soon as possible keeps the momentum and prevents muscle deconditioning.
Regular physical activity can help prevent disease and improve well-being. Although exercise statistics are disheartening, improvement is possible. As health advocates, we can encourage systemic changes in health care and environmental changes in our neighborhoods to increase activity on a population level.
While waiting for more extensive changes, we have the power to equip individuals with personalized, actionable tools for improving and maintaining physical activity.
Our belief in people’s ability to get active is contagious. A person-centered collaborative approach can help people get moving, one step at a time.
Whether you are a novice or an expert in providing diabetes care, we invite you to attend this exciting training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management that will revolutionize your practice.
“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.
Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:
Accredited Training Program:
Speakers Interviews – Learn more about the ReVive 5 Team
What is the Biggest Takeaway when Addressing Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Susan Guzman
Do you have to be a Mental Health Expert to Tackle Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Lawrence Fisher
Why I Transformed my Approach to Diabetes Self-Management Education- Coach Beverly
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
JR has type 1 diabetes and tells you, “My doctor just doesn’t seem to understand how to manage type 1 diabetes. Sometimes, I just skip my appointments because it feels like a waste of time.” JR’s most recent A1C was 8.7% and their time in ranges keeps decreasing with each visit.
Based on this, you realize that JR’s provider-related diabetes distress
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Whether you are a novice or an expert in providing diabetes care, we invite you to attend this exciting training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management that will revolutionize your practice.
“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.
Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:
Accredited Training Program:
Speakers Interviews – Learn more about the ReVive 5 Team
What is the Biggest Takeaway when Addressing Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Susan Guzman
Do you have to be a Mental Health Expert to Tackle Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Lawrence Fisher
Why I Transformed my Approach to Diabetes Self-Management Education- Coach Beverly
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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 being at risk for NASH. 63% 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: JR is 46 years old with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 33. In addition, JR has hypertension and hyperlipidemia, with elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST).
According to the latest ADA Standards, which of the following would best help determine if JR is at risk for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis?
Answer Choices:
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. 14.51% chose this answer. “UACR.” This is a juicy answer, however the Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) evaluates kidney function and doesn’t provide any hepatic insights. Instead we would recommend the Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis helps determine risk of hepatic cirrhosis and inflammation (see answer 2).
Answer 2 is correct. 62.53% of you chose this answer. “FIB-4.” GREAT JOB. The Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis helps determine risk of hepatic cirrhosis and inflammation. By entering the person’s age, AST, ALT and Platelet count using the FIB-4 calculator, a risk level is calculated (see slide below). The hope is that by screening for hepatic issues early, we can take action to protect the liver and improve outcomes.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 11.69% of respondents chose this. “GAD or ICA.” Although this answer is familiar, it does not match the intent of the question. GAD and ICA are blood tests to determine if someone has autoimmune mediated type 1 diabetes. Instead we would recommend the Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis helps determine risk of hepatic cirrhosis and inflammation (see answer 2).
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 11.27% chose this answer. “Weight in (kg) divided by the square of height in meters (m2).” This answer is also familiar since it is the formula to determine a person’s body mass index (BMI). Instead we would recommend the Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis helps determine risk of hepatic cirrhosis and inflammation (see answer 2).
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity! Learn more by attending our Virtual Conference plus save $100 through April 18, 2023.
Your team is invited to our Virtual DiabetesEd™ Training Conference! Set your team apart and prepare for diabetes certification!
Join this state-of-the-art conference taught by content experts, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, and Ashley LaBrier who are passionate about improving diabetes care.
Group discounts are available!*
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
So many of you responded to our newsletter and fantastic $100 off sale, that we decided to extend the savings for another week.
In this newsletter, we celebrate the opportunity to “Spring” into action. Being active, especially outdoors in nature, is a powerful healer that not only lowers blood glucose but significantly contributes to well-being.
Based on 30 years of encouraging people to move more, Coach Beverly compiled some of her favorite approaches and quips that can help reignite body movement.
We are also thrilled to award ten autographed copies of the ADA Standards of Care. Our virtual conference speaker, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES, has been an expert contributor to the standards for the past three years.
Dr. Isaacs was kind enough to sign ten SOC books with an inspiring message. The first ten registrants for our Deluxe Virtual Diabetes Conference will receive a signed ADA Book from this renowned expert and speaker.
Many of you are considering taking the advanced certification exam in diabetes. If this is part of your goals for 2023, we have important information plus resources to help you move forward on achieving your BC-ADM.
For our Question of Week Section, we provide a label reading challenge. How many total grams of fat is on this macaroni and cheese label? We also highlight a carbohydrate counting question and challenge participants to find the best strategy to evaluate liver disease.
For 25 years, our company has provided compassionate and evidence-based training and education. With the recent economic slowdown, we are sensitive to financial barriers and limited resources that might hinder participation in our programs. To help, we are thrilled to extend $100 off our three most popular programs through April 18, 2023.
Sending notes of joy and health,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Amanda, and Andrew
Announcements
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Upcoming Webinars
Your team is invited to our Virtual DiabetesEd™ Training Conference! Set your team apart and prepare for diabetes certification!
Join this state-of-the-art conference taught by content experts, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, and Ashley LaBrier who are passionate about improving diabetes care.
Group discounts are available!*
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
KL takes 5-10 units of insulin glulisine (Apidra) based on an insulin scale before each of their 3 daily meals and 30 units of glargine (Basaglar) at bedtime.
Based on this information, how many u-100 glulisine (Apidra) insulin pens would KL use a month?
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Your team is invited to our Virtual DiabetesEd™ Training Conference! Set your team apart and prepare for diabetes certification!
Join this state-of-the-art conference taught by content experts, Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM, and Ashley LaBrier who are passionate about improving diabetes care.
Group discounts are available!*
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.
This course provides the need-to-know information regarding the microvascular complications of diabetes. It includes a brief overview of the pathophysiology & clinical manifestations along with prevention strategies & screening guidelines. This straightforward program will provide participants with the information they can use in a clinical setting & also provides critical content for certification exams.
Objectives:
This course takes a close look at insulin resistance syndrome & vascular complications. We discuss the impact of vessel disease from the heart to the toes. Included is a discussion of identifying & preventing vascular disease & a comprehensive review of the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes for heart disease.
Objectives:
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.
Group discounts are available!*
Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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 having their cake and eating it too. A whopping 94% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to celebrate your success and give you all a shout out for a job well done.
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: AJ is a 9-year-old with type 1 diabetes, A1c of 7.2%, and uses an insulin pump and CGM. They ask you how to include a piece of birthday cake for an upcoming birthday celebration.
What is the best advice?
Answer Choices:
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 Person-Centered answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 1.53% chose this answer. “Accept the cake but don’t actually eat it.” Since this doesn’t honor AJ’s choice to accept and enjoy the cake, it is not the best answer. People with diabetes can absolutely enjoy special treats by adjusting their bolus insulin dose to account for the extra carbs to prevent post cake hyperglycemia.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 2.3% of you chose this answer. “Increase their daytime basal insulin to prevent hyperglycemia.” People with diabetes can absolutely enjoy special treats by adjusting their bolus insulin dose to account for the extra carbs to prevent post cake hyperglycemia.
Answer 3 is correct. About 94.12% of respondents chose this. “Take additional bolus insulin to cover the extra carbs.” YAY! This person centered approach is the BEST guilt free answer since it recognizes and respects AJ’s choice to enjoy a piece of birthday cake while still managing blood sugars with extra bolus insulin.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 2.05% chose this answer. “Encourage AJ to have a piece of fruit instead.” Since this doesn’t honor AJ’s choice to accept and enjoy the cake, it is not the best answer. People with diabetes can absolutely enjoy special treats by adjusting their bolus insulin dose to account for the extra carbs to prevent post cake hyperglycemia.
We hope you appreciate this week’s person-centered rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
You are invited to join our Virtual Conference with our Nutrition expert speaker, Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, who will be providing a half-day presentation on this important topic!
Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDES, is an innovator in the field of diabetes, nutrition, and technology. Ashley is a consultant and the Diabetes Education Program Coordinator at the Salinas Valley Medical Clinic’s Diabetes & Endocrine Center.
Ms. LaBrier is passionate about providing person-centered education to empower those who live with diabetes. Having been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes herself nearly 20 years ago, she combines her professional knowledge with personal experience and understanding.
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.
Group discounts are available!*
Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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!
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.