Subscribe
eNewsletter
Ready to get certified?
Free CDCES Coach App
Download
Free Med Pocket Cards
eNewsletter
Free CDCES Coach App
Free Med Pocket Cards
In honor of Earth Day, April 22, 2026, we’re shining a light on the power of native plants in creating vibrant, resilient ecosystems—for wildlife and for people. See our Earth Day List of Resources Here!
Native plants—those that have evolved naturally in a specific region—play a crucial role in supporting local pollinators, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. These plants provide essential food, pollen, and shelter that many species rely on for survival. And while the benefits to the environment are clear, cultivating native plants also boosts human well-being. Thriving ecosystems support cleaner air and water, increased biodiversity, and create opportunities for people to reconnect with nature.
When Coach Beverly moved into her home 26 years ago, she planted what many of us do—flowers and grasses that looked appealing and could withstand local heat. With an acre of land surrounding her home and office, she had space to experiment, adding a wide variety of foliage and trees for beauty and shade.
But like many at that time, she wasn’t yet aware of the importance of native plants—or how their presence (or absence) affects the animals, insects, and birds that share our space.
Over time, as she learned more about habitat loss and the plight of pollinators, she began to rethink her approach. Through research, visits to a nearby native nursery, and the help of trusted websites, she and her husband began the transformation: reshaping their land into a space that supports bees, butterflies, frogs, birds, lizards, and more. Today, their yard is not only beautiful but also an oasis for wildlife—and a model of sustainable gardening.
In addition to plants, providing a water source can be a game-changer for thirsty pollinators and wildlife. Whether it’s a birdbath, a shallow dish, or a small pond, water invites life into any garden.
Last year, Coach Beverly dug a small frog pond. Within weeks, frogs, toads, and birds made themselves at home. A year later, the pond teems with tadpoles, mosquito fish, dragonflies, water beetles, and countless other tiny creatures.
The pond has become a source of daily joy and fascination for family and visitors alike—a reminder of how deeply nature nurtures our spirits. It has also been a powerful tool for stress relief and mental well-being.
For those managing diabetes, chronic conditions, or everyday stress, spending time in nature and caring for living things can be deeply therapeutic. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small:
For the more adventurous, creating a native plant garden is a wonderful excuse to get outdoors, move your body, and take pride in a growing, living space. There’s something special about tasting a sun-warmed tomato that’s been nurtured from seed to fruit.
A great place to start is the article Audubon – 20 Common Types of Native Plants, which outlines beneficial plants found across the U.S. To make it local, cross-reference with your zip code using tools like the Native Plant Finder – NWF by the National Wildlife Federation.
For example, in Chico, California, the California Christmas-Berry is drought-tolerant and a favorite food source for local birds.
🌳 Here are a few native plant ideas to consider:
Need help sourcing plants? The Plant Native website offers a helpful directory of native nurseries throughout the U.S.
Many people feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the state of the planet. But there is also a growing awareness of our power to make change—and hope rooted in action.
Whether it’s planting a single native shrub, providing a bowl of water, or simply observing and appreciating the life around us, every effort makes a difference.
Visit www.earthday.org and Project Regeneration for more ideas and inspiration on how to help the Earth thrive.
Each person has the ability to nurture the planet and themselves, starting right at home. Native plants are a simple, beautiful way to support both biodiversity and human well-being.
So this Earth Day, consider taking that first step. Plant something. Provide water. Let nature in. And know that even the smallest actions ripple outward in meaningful ways.
🌎 Happy Earth Day from Coach Beverly and the Diabetes Education Services team.
AR is a 63-year-old with type 1 diabetes and mild hypertension. Their GFR is 41 mL/min/1.73m² and UACR is 312 mg/g and their BMI is 24. The provider asks you to instruct AR on a low-protein diet, since AR is in stage 3 CKD.
Enroll in our
Sharpen your exam readiness and clinical mastery.
Level 3 is designed for healthcare professionals actively preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM certification exams. This 9-course intensive series delivers in-depth, evidence-based content grounded in the latest ADA Standards of Care, with a focus on exam strategies, case studies, and practice questions to build your confidence and competence.
Watch the FREE Behavior Change Theories Made Easy Webinar, created for busy healthcare professionals who want to better understand, and confidently apply, the most important theories for clinical practice and exam success.
In this webinar, Coach Beverly will break down and simplify the behavior change and learning theories that often feel confusing when you’re trying to choose the “best” answer on an exam. You’ll sort through key concepts together and learn how to apply them clearly and effectively in real-life scenarios.
This content will boost your clarity and confidence so you can approach exam questions and patient care feeling prepared and in control.
Watch the Test Taking Success Webinar recording, designed specifically for busy healthcare professionals preparing for diabetes certification.
During this webinar, you will have the opportunity to answer and dissect 20 sample exam questions alongside Coach Bev. Learn how to avoid common exam pitfalls and get to the best answer!
This content will boost your confidence and clarity so you can walk into exam day feeling prepared, calm, and in control. Coach Beverly has helped thousands of candidates cross over the finish line to success. She has passed her CDCES exam 7 times and counting.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on the benefits of once weekly insulin Icodec. 82% 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 by clicking here.
A 62-year-old person with type 2 diabetes has an A1C of 9.1% despite metformin, SGLT-2i and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. You are considering once-weekly insulin icodec when it becomes available.
Which of the following is the most appropriate rationale for selecting insulin icodec (Awiqli) therapy?
What is the BEST response?
Answer A is incorrect. 5.42% chose this answer, “Eliminates the risk of hypoglycemia compared to daily basal insulin.”Although this insulin has a long steady half-life, it still peaks between day 2 to 4, with a slight increased risk of hypoglycemia during this period. And, since it is insulin, the risk of hypoglycemia is always a consideration.
Answer B is incorrect. 5.07% of you chose this answer, “Provides superior A1C reduction compared to all daily basal insulins.” Answer B is incorrect. Insulin icodec is considered non-inferior and has a similar glucose lowering impact when compared to other available basal insulins. However, since it only requires once a week injection, it may be easier to stick with in the long term.
Answer C is incorrect. About 7.17% of respondents chose this: “Does not require dose titration due to its long duration of action.” The manufacturers recommend adjusting doing units no more than every few weeks, depending on glucose response and safety.
Finally, Answer D is correct. 82.34% chose this answer, “Reduces injection frequency while improving time-in-range.” Yes great job. This is the best answer. On this ultra long insulin, people only need one basal insulin injection a week. Studies also indicate that this insulin improves time in range with less glucose variability.
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!
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and GLP/GIP class of medications have seen significant advancements in the past year and 2026 promises to offer even more advancements.
The FDA granted accelerated approval in March 2026 for a high-dose (HD) injectable version of Wegovy of 7.2 mg once weekly. Until now, the highest approved dose for Wegovy—the weight loss formulation of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide—was 2.4 mg weekly.
Many individuals on the maximum 2.4 mg dose eventually reach a weight loss plateau, prompting researchers to explore whether higher dosing could extend weight reduction. Clinical trials demonstrate that increasing the dose to 7.2 mg weekly can lead to additional weight loss of up to ~20–21% from baseline, representing a meaningful advancement for those needing further support.
As expected, gastrointestinal side effects increase with higher doses, particularly, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and early satiety. As with the other incretin medications, encourage smaller, lower fat meals that are high in nutrients. Remind individuals to keep hydrated and if the nausea persists, they may benefit from anti-nausea medications.
A major step forward in pediatric diabetes care is the recent expansion of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) into younger populations. With emerging data and regulatory progress, tirzepatide is being recognized as a potential option for youth with type 2 diabetes and extra weight, offering another powerful new tool to improve metabolic measures for young people with diabetes.
This update reflects a broader shift toward earlier, more effective interventions in youth with diabetes and elevated body weight, aligning with current guidelines that emphasize person-centered, individualized care.
A new advancement in weight management is the availability of Oral Wegovy (oral semaglutide), now with dosing options up to a maximum of 25 mg once daily. This expanded dosing offers a non-injectable alternative for individuals seeking the benefits of GLP-1–based therapy for weight management, while maintaining meaningful efficacy.
As with other oral semaglutide formulations, administration technique is critical—it should be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, with no food, beverages, or other medications for at least 30 minutes to optimize absorption.
Higher-dose oral therapy may help individuals who have reached a weight plateau or who require more intensive pharmacologic support, aligning with evolving treatment strategies that prioritize person-centered care and individualized therapy.
As always, it is important to provide guidance on gradual dose escalation and management of gastrointestinal side effects, ensuring individuals are supported every step of the way.
In an effort to streamline GLP-1 therapy across formulations, Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg doses, is being rebranded as Oral Ozempic. The original Rybelsus 3, 7, and 14 doses will eventually be phased out. This naming alignment reflects the same active molecule—semaglutide—used in injectable Ozempic and Wegovy, helping reduce confusion and reinforce class familiarity among individuals and providers.
As with prior oral semaglutide formulations, proper administration remains key: it should be taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, with no food, beverages, or other medications for at least 30 minutes to ensure optimal absorption.
This update represents another step toward clarifying and simplifying diabetes treatment options.
We have also updated our Insulin PocketCard to include the newly approved ultra-long-acting insulin icodec.
This once weekly insulin may be especially valuable for:
This is where your role as a healthcare professional becomes even more powerful—matching the right therapy to the right person.
We have also updated our Insulin PocketCard to include the newly approved ultra-long-acting insulin icodec.
This once weekly insulin may be especially valuable for:
This is where your role as a healthcare professional becomes even more powerful—matching the right therapy to the right person.
As healthcare professionals, staying current with these advancements allows us to:
Join us as we break down the latest in diabetes care, guidelines, and emerging therapies— you can bring confidence, clarity, and compassion to your clinical practice by joining our DiabetesEd Training Conference.
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Question of the Week:
RZ is 47 years old with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. RZ takes metformin 1000 mg BID, plus lisinopril 20mg daily. RZs LDL is 140 mg/dL. Based on the most recent ADA Standards, what is the LDL Cholesterol target for RZ?
What is the BEST response?
A. LDL less than 100 mg/dL.
B. LDL less than 55 mg/dL
C. Determine LDL target based on ASCVD risk
D. LDL less than 70 mg/dL
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on the next steps after 12% weight loss. Over 85% 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 by clicking here.
Question of the Week:
KC is a 62-year-old individual with type 2 diabetes who presents for follow-up after initiating a weight loss program 3 months ago. They report consuming approximately 1,000–1,100 kcal/day and have lost 12% of their body weight, with a current rate of weight loss averaging 5% in the last month.
Their diet excludes most grains and fruits, and they report occasional fatigue and constipation. Current medications include metformin, tirzepatide, and atorvastatin.
Based on current standards of care, what is the most appropriate response regarding nutrition and weight changes?
Answer 1 is incorrect. 1.82% chose this answer, “Continue the current plan, KC is achieving intentional weight loss while enrolled in a weight loss program.” Although KC is achieving clinically significant weight loss, they have multiple risk factors for nutrition deficiencies, including intake <1,200 kcal/day, rapid weight loss (>4% per month), age >50, and restriction of nutrient-dense food groups.1 These risk factors warrant further evaluation before continuation without modification.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 3.03% of you chose this answer, “Titrate GLP-1 receptor agonist to optimize weight loss outcomes.” While GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for weight management, further intensification may not be appropriate in the setting of already rapid weight loss and inadequate intake. Additional assessment and individualization of outcome goals is recommended before intensification is initiated.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 9.7% chose this answer, “KC has achieved weight loss of more than 10%, consider ceasing weight loss efforts to prevent nutrition deficiencies.” While monitoring weight change is necessary, automatically discontinuing weight loss efforts may not be recommended. Instead, care should focus on optimizing nutritional adequacy, potentially incorporating supplementation, and adjusting the treatment plan to support safe, sustainable weight-loss goals while minimizing nutrition and medical risk.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 85.5% of respondents chose this: “Initiate screening for micronutrient deficiencies and assess protein and fiber intake” GREAT JOB! KC meets several high-risk criteria for nutrient deficiencies, including low caloric intake (<1200 calories per day), rapid weight loss (>4% per month), older age, and limited dietary variety. The current standards of care recommend screening for micronutrient deficiencies within these high risk groups. Screening is guided by clinical judgement but nutrients of concern include iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B1, B12, Vitamin C, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.1 It is also recommended to ensure adequate protein intake to preserve lean mass and ensure adequate fiber and fluid intake to address constipation in individuals consuming very low-calorie intake.
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!
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Author: Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
CEO & President, DiabetesEd Services
You might have already started receiving questions from patients and your colleagues about the new Medicare Bridge Benefits for the GLP-1 weight loss medications. This article provides a brief overview of eligibility, covered medications and inclusion criteria. We also provide a summary for prescribers steps to successfully send a prescription to your local pharmacy. Information on help lines and other resources are also included.
On July 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officially launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program that runs through December 31, 2027.
The Medicare Bridge is a nationwide demonstration program that provides eligible beneficiaries with access to select GLP-1 medications for a predictable copay of $50 per month. By capping the monthly copay for select GLP-1 drugs, this program addresses a critical affordability gap for eligible beneficiaries. For your healthcare teams, this initiative may initiate a practice-management shift and require prescribing adjustments, including additional paperwork.
The program does not offer blanket coverage for all anti-obesity medications. CMS has restricted the Bridge program to three specific, high-profile GLP/GIP therapies prescribed strictly for chronic weight management:
Note: The single-dose Zepbound® pen and Zepbound® vials are NOT covered
You can also find additional detailed information in the Medicare Prescriber Fact Sheet, which includes an overview of the process and key details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
In order to quality, clinicians must consider the following administrative criteria:
Exceptions to Bridge Eligibility
The individual must continue to obtain their GLP-1 directly through standard Part D coverage if they have a primary diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, or noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The Bridge program is explicitly reserved for beneficiaries seeking the drug solely for weight reduction or weight maintenance.
The second tier covers those with a baseline BMI between 30 and 34.9. To successfully qualify in this tier, the provider must document at least one of three specific secondary health complications in the medical record:
The final clinical tier opens the program to those with lower BMIs, targeting individuals with a baseline BMI between 27 and 29.9. Because the weight elevation is less severe, CMS requires documentation of highly specific cardiovascular or metabolic warning signs. To qualify, an individual must possess a confirmed history of at least one of the following conditions:
If your patient meets the criteria of any of these tiers, you can move on to prescribing one of the 3 approved medications.
First Step:
If you think that the patient is eligible for coverage under Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, before sending order to pharmacy – read these important instructions.
Second Step:
Once the administrative baseline is verified, the provider will be required to submit a specialized CMS Prior Authorization (PA) Form detailing the patient’s exact metric history.
You must wait (up to 72 hours) to get the request from the pharmacy electronically or by fax for your patients to be covered under Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
Please see the Prescriber Fact Sheet for much more detailed information.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will operate outside of the Medicare Part D benefit’s coverage and payment flow. As a result, Part D sponsors will not carry risk for eligible GLP-1 drugs furnished under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, and Part D sponsors do not have to opt in to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for eligible beneficiaries to access these drugs beginning July 1, 2026.
In 2026, CMS will use a single central processor to manage prior authorization, claims adjudication, and payment to pharmacies for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
Because it completely bypasses standard plan frameworks, the $50 monthly copay does not count toward a patient’s annual Part D deductible or the maximum out-of-pocket spending cap. Additionally, cost-sharing assistance like the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program cannot be applied to this $50 flat fee.
The call center is available at 855-273-0102 Monday through Friday from 8am – 7pm ET. Representatives are available to assist prescribers with questions about the prior authorization process or the status of a prior authorization request.
Prescribers can also find additional information in the Prescriber Fact Sheet, which includes an overview of the process and key details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for prescribers.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Information Page: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge/information-providers
Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
CEO & President, DiabetesEd Services
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Question of the Week:
A 62-year-old person with type 2 diabetes has an A1C of 9.1% despite metformin, SGLT-2i and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. You are considering once-weekly insulin icodec when it becomes available. Which of the following is the most appropriate rationale for selecting insulin icodec (Awiqli) therapy?
What is the BEST response?
A. Eliminates the risk of hypoglycemia compared to daily basal insulin.
B. Provides superior A1C reduction compared to all daily basal insulins.
C. Does not require dose titration due to its long duration of action.
D. Reduces injection frequency while improving time-in-range.
Walk away with tools you can apply immediately in clinical practice or while preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM exams. From insulin dosing protocols to behavior change strategies that work in the real world—this content bridges theory and practice.
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
