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Rationale of the Week | Do Statins Cause Dementia?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on statins & the risk of dementia. 49% 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: LR is 78 years old with a new diagnosis of diabetes. Their A1C is 7.9%, LDL cholesterol is 98 mg/dL, GFR is 58 mg/g and their BP is 124/78. The provider recommends a referral to the RD and DSME program and writes a prescription for metformin XR 500mg daily and lovastatin 20mg. LR is worried about taking a statin because they heard it can cause dementia.

Based on the ADA Standards, what is the best response?

Answer Choices:

  1. Based on the most recent research, statins don’t seem to cause dementia.
  2. Statins are very safe and actually protect against dementia.
  3. To find out more about the side effects of statins, we recommend asking your pharmacist for more information.
  4. You can start with half a pill a day to evaluate for side effects.

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 correct. 49.45% chose this answer. “Based on the most recent research, statins don’t seem to cause dementia.” YES, is the BEST answer. According to ADA 2023 SOC 10 a recent systematic review of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) postmarketing surveillance databases, randomized controlled trials, and cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies evaluating cognition in patients receiving statins found that published data do not reveal an adverse effect of statins on cognition (138). Therefore, a concern that statins or other lipid-lowering agents might cause cognitive dysfunction or dementia is not currently supported by evidence and should not deter their use in individuals with diabetes at high risk for ASCVD (138).

Answer 2 is incorrect. 26.73% of you chose this answer. “Statins are very safe and actually protect against dementia.” Although the first part of this statement is correct, statins are safe, there is no evidence presented in the ADA Standards that statins protect against dementia.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 17.62% of respondents chose this. “To find out more about the side effects of statins, we recommend asking your pharmacist for more information.” Although pharmacists are incredibly knowledgeable about medications, diabetes specialists can relate evidence based information to the people we serve, instead of making them take additional action to get the information they need to move forward. The good news is that there is no evidence that statins or other lipid-lowering agents might cause cognitive dysfunction or dementia and their use is recommended in individuals with diabetes at high risk for ASCVD.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 6.19% chose this answer. “You can start with half a pill a day to evaluate for side effects.” This approach is tempting, but it doesn’t address the fear of the statin causing dementia. The good news is that there is no evidence that statins or other lipid-lowering agents might cause cognitive dysfunction or dementia and their use is recommended in individuals with diabetes at high risk for ASCVD.

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? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Older Adults & Diabetes | 1.5 CEs

 

We are living longer & more people are getting diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has updated the Older Adults Standards, with special attention to considering the reduction of medication & insulin therapy intensity. The older population has unique issues & special needs that require consideration as we provide diabetes self-management education. This online course highlights key areas of assessment, intervention, and advocacy for older clients living with diabetes.

Objectives:

  1. Self-management considerations for older individuals.
  2. Strategies to prevent complications & maintain optimal quality of life.
  3. The role of the Diabetes Care & Education Specialist as an advocate.

Intended Audience: An important course for healthcare professionals seeking to gain an understanding of the special issues and goals for older adults.

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!

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | What’s Wrong with JR’s Foot?

JR arrives at the clinic wearing a walking boot due to a recent foot injury.  Tells you that they “banged their foot” on some farm equipment and since then it has been warm and swollen. It hurt at first, but the pain has diminished with time.

When JR takes off the boot, you see that the left foot needs attention.

Based on this photo, what diabetes-related foot condition do you suspect?

  1. Peripheral arterial disease
  2. Venous statis ulcer
  3. Pre gangrenous inflammation
  4. Charcot Foot

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

 


Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Lower Extremity Assessment | 1.5 CEs

People with diabetes are at increased risk of Lower Extremity Complications. This course reviews the steps involved in performing a detailed assessment of the lower extremities, including how to use a monofilament and tuning fork to detect neuropathy. We also discuss the significance of the Ankle Brachial Index and strategies to prevent lower extremity complications.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the risk factors for lower extremity complications.
  2. Discuss prevention strategies.
  3. Demonstrate steps involved in a lower extremity assessment.

Intended Audience: This is a great course for healthcare professionals who want to learn the steps involved in providing a thorough lower extremity assessment.

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!

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Diabetes Medication PocketCard eUpdates

We have two updates to announce that have been captured in our electronic Medication PocketCards.

Saxagliptin Discontinued

The DPP-IV Inhibitor Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and combination medication, Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin/metformin extended-release tablets), have been permanently discontinued, according to manufacturer AstraZeneca.

A recent posting on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Drug Shortages tracker indicates that both products were discontinued because of a business decision and not due to safety or efficacy-related concerns.

There are three other DPP-IV inhibitors still available along with several combination versions. See our updated electronic ePocketCard that reflects this update.

Dulaglutide Approved for Peds

In late 2022, the FDA approved the use of Dulaglutide (Trulicity for Pediatrics with Type 2 diabetes ages 10-17. Currently, metformin, insulin and the following GLP-1 RA’s are approved for pediatrics with type 2 diabetes, ages 10-17 See updated ePocketCard.

GLP-1 RA list of approved medications for pediatrics.

  • Exenatide XR (Bydureon)
  • Liraglutide (Victoza)
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity) up to 1.5mgs

GLP-1 RAs have the benefit of not only lowering A1C, they also support weight loss and Exenatide XR and dulaglutide only need to be taken once a week. This weekly dosing can be a big advantage for busy families.

Our currently available laminated Diabetes Med PocketCards do not reflect these changes, but we will be reprinting later this year to reflect these updates.


Download our FREE CDCES Coach App

Access to our latest pocketcards, cheat sheets, and other free resources right in your pocket. Download our CDCES Coach App!


Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES? Our FREE Webinar

Preparing for the CDCES Exam

Airs live on Thursday, July 13th at 11:30 am PST

This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.

Preparing for the CDCES Exam Webinar Topics

  • Exam requirement updates for 2023.
  • Exam eligibility and test format
  • 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!
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

Becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is one of the best professional and personal decisions I have ever made.” – Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

 


 

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Rationale of the Week | JR is Skipping Provider Appointments

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on diabetes distress. 78% 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 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:

Answer Choices:

  1. has intensified to clinical depression.
  2. requires urgent referral to a mental health professional.
  3. could be responsive to self-management coaching.
  4. may be a sign of disordered eating.

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, get rid of false answers, do any math very carefully and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is incorrect. 9.58% chose this answer. “has intensified to clinical depression.” This is a tempting answer, but we don’t enough evidence to support that JR is struggling with depression. If we had JR complete the Diabetes Distress Scale, he would certainly score high on provider related distress based on this statement, “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.” These comments certainly fit in the distress category. Through careful questioning and exploration, the diabetes educator could certainly help with problem solving.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 8.18% of you chose this answer. “requires urgent referral to a mental health professional.” Based on JR’s statement, “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 is certainly in distress. However, there is no language indicating that JR is in imminent danger of self-harm. Through careful questioning and exploration, the diabetes educator could certainly carefully assess JR’s mental health state and help with problem solving and referrals as needed.

Answer 3 is correct. About 77.84% of respondents chose this. “could be responsive to self-management coaching.” YES. This is the best answer. We could start by administering the Diabetes Distress Scale and then hone in on the high scoring areas. Then through careful questioning and exploration, the diabetes educator could certainly help with problem solving and identify if additional resources or referrals are needed.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 4.39% chose this answer. “may be a sign of disordered eating.” but we don’t enough evidence to support that JR is experiencing disordered eating. However, if we had JR complete the Diabetes Distress Scale, he would certainly score high on provider related distress based on this statement, “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.”

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 using the Diabetes Distress Scale and Coaching Strategies? Join our next

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

Addressing diabetes distress can be tricky, even for seasoned healthcare professionals.

We invite you to attend this hands-on training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management. Our experts offer realistic strategies to address diabetes distress that you can immediately apply to your practice setting. Plus, the ReVive 5 Program provides a breadth of tools and resources to create more meaningful connections with people with diabetes.

“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.

Join A Team of Experts – Save $100

Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:

  • Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, UCSF
  • Susan Guzman, PhD
  • Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Accredited Training Program:

  • 14.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour Session ReVive 5 Training Program, Certificate, and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content.
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required



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.

Question of the Week | Do Statins Cause Dementia?

LR is 78 years old with a new diagnosis of diabetes. Their A1C is 7.9%, LDL cholesterol is 98 mg/dL, GFR is 58 mg/g and their BP is 124/78. The provider recommends a referral to the RD and DSME program and writes a prescription for metformin XR 500mg daily and lovastatin 20mg. LR is worried about taking a statin because they heard it can cause dementia.

Based on the ADA Standards, what is the best response?

  1. Based on the most recent research, statins don’t seem to cause dementia.
  2. Statins are very safe and actually protect against dementia.
  3. To find out more about the side effects of statins, we recommend asking your pharmacist for more information.
  4. You can start with half a pill a day to evaluate for side effects.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Older Adults & Diabetes | 1.5 CEs

Join us live on May 16, 2023, at 11:30 am PST

 

We are living longer & more people are getting diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has updated the Older Adults Standards, with special attention to considering the reduction of medication & insulin therapy intensity. The older population has unique issues & special needs that require consideration as we provide diabetes self-management education. This online course highlights key areas of assessment, intervention, and advocacy for older clients living with diabetes.

Objectives:

  1. Self-management considerations for older individuals.
  2. Strategies to prevent complications & maintain optimal quality of life.
  3. The role of the Diabetes Care & Education Specialist as an advocate.

Intended Audience: An important course for healthcare professionals seeking to gain an understanding of the special issues and goals for older adults.

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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required

 

 



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.

Happy Earth Day – 10 Action Steps We Took

Last year, we came up with a list of 10 Simple Steps to improve planetary health. Me and my family committed to making all 10 of these changes and I wanted to report on how we fared for the year. We weren’t perfect, but we definitely made some good progress! Check out our report below!

10 Earth Actions We Took

1. Grow plants native to our area.

We are transforming our yard, plant by plant, with native species. The effort is paying off. The diversity of our bird and butterfly population has dramatically increased, along with a new host of amphibious friends.
By choosing plants that originated from your geographic area, you help support your regional ecosystem and offer pollinators, birds, butterflies, and other healthy critters needed food, pollen, and building materials for their survival.

Read more on our blog, Earth Day Secrets to Improving Planet Health

2. Compost kitchen scraps and cut down on waste

This year, we purchased a Lomi Composter from Pela Earth, and we love it. All of our food scraps go into the Lomi and from this food waste, nutrient-rich compost is created, and serves as the BEST fertilizer, ever. My house and outdoor plants have never looked so good!

3. Eat more sustainable veggies, fruits, and grains and less meat, and processed foods.

My husband, a committed meat eater, recently discovered that his cholesterol was elevated. Overnight, he reached back in time and started cooking the vegetarian dishes of his Armenian grandparents. My kitchen has never smelled so good and the flavors coupled with joy, make each dish extra special. Plus, our fiber intake has dramatically increased and we are all learning more about traditional Armenian foods (so delicious).

4. Drive less and walk more, especially in nature

In addition to walking out day outside with our furry friends, we needed a new car and decided to go completely electric. I can’t tell you how GREAT it feels to drive without creating emissions (and it’s so quiet). In addition, we have enough solar panels to charge our cars and rarely need to go to a charging station.

5. Think of 3 ways to use less water

My husband and I have decreased our frequency of showering and have replaced the emitters in our yard to prevent water waste. Most of our plants are drought-tolerant too.

6. Use cold water to wash, and hang clothes to dry.

Cold water in the washer works as well as warm or hot water for most items. If the weather is bad, we toss wet clothes over chairs and over the headboard. We don’t hang everything to dry, but we are approaching 50%.

7. Turn appliances, lights, and computers off when not in use.

This is an ongoing goal that we keep working on. Our computers are on sleep at night, but we keep forgetting to turn them off.

8. Purchase used items and re-use everything you can. Swap and trade instead of buying new.

As a family, we try to purchase used items and clothes whenever possible. In addition, we work on maintaining our appliances and other household gadgets to extend their life and avoid putting them into landfill.

9. Try to use fewer plastics

Plastic is everywhere and is so hard to avoid. We first committed to no longer buying plastic water bottles and are trying to use refillable soaps, lotions, and other items. When shopping, we bring our reusable bags to the store. The next goal is to avoid buying fresh foods packaged in plastic.

10. Trade out filament light bulbs for new LED bulbs.

We are at 50% of this goal. Since the new LED bulbs last so long, it has decreased the hassle of changing the bulbs and we love the wonderful light color choices too.

Please send us your stories too at [email protected]. We want to hear from you!

For all the earth has given me and I want to give back to this beautiful blue planet. Each intention and action matters.

Each action, no matter how small, matters. We can do this!

With wishes for improved planetary health,

Beverly, Chris, Jackson, Robert and Choochi, and Maverick


Free Resources Catalog

Coach Beverly’s goal is to support our Diabetes Education Community and provide meaningful resources that are useful for your daily practice.


Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE!  Sign up below!

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Rationale of the Week | Get your Calculator – How many Pens?

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:

  1. 2 vials
  2. 4 pens
  3. 6 pens
  4. 3 pens

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, 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!


Want to learn more about this question? Join our NEW

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

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.

Join A Team of Experts – Save $100

Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:

  • Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, UCSF
  • Susan Guzman, PhD
  • Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Accredited Training Program:

  • 14.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour Session ReVive 5 Training Program, Certificate, and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content.
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required



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.

5 Fresh Approaches to Help People Move More

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.

Everything off the Couch Counts

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,

Keep it Practical and Fun

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

Download this Activity Cheat Sheet to Share

Activity Quips that Help Reignite the Passion

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 a ten-minute bout of activity can lower blood sugars for up to 24 hours.
  •  Each minute of activity lowers blood sugar by about one point.
  •  Walking for even 10 minutes after meals can help lower post-meal blood sugar levels.
  •  Even without weight loss, getting active can reduce A1C levels by 0.6%.
  •  Regular activity improves people’s mood, sex life, and balance. 
  •  Keeping active helps people maintain their independence.

Prepare and PLAN for setbacks

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:

  •  Ponder what happened; 
  •  Learn from it; 
  •  Adjust the original goal; 
  •  Now get back on track.  

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.

Exercise is medicine

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.

 


Join our NEW

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

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.

Join A Team of Experts – Save $100

Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:

  • Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, UCSF
  • Susan Guzman, PhD
  • Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Accredited Training Program:

  • 14.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour Session ReVive 5 Training Program, Certificate, and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content.
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

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


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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.