Looking for that perfect free diabetes education handout?  We are excited to share our collection of fantastic websites that provide you with easy access to hundreds of educational tools in a variety of languages. In addition, we have included links to some of our favorite teaching materials that you can download today.  Please let us know if you have any websites that we can add to our list, enjoy!

Websites that offer FREE handouts for diabetes education

• ADA Diabetes Education Library Offers over 170 topics on diabetes that are searchable by topic and language. A treasure trove of educational info.
• CDC Diabetes Prevention Program Curricula and Handouts  This site offers excellent resources for those interested in offering Diabetes Prevention Education.
• Diabetes Healthsense is an online library of resources compiled by the National Diabetes Education Program. 
• A Guide to Drinking for People with Diabetes-  Helpful resource that provides information on alcohol and diabetes.

Download Now: 

• All about Blood Glucose Levels – It can be difficult for patients to learn all the important points of blood glucose control in a short office visit. Download this free patient handout, in English or Spanish, to help your patients self-manage their blood glucose levels long after their appointment.
• Medicare and You – A comprehensive summary outlining what services and supplies Medicare covers for beneficiaries.
• AACE Passport Wallet Card PDF » A tool that helps patients track if they are meeting AACE care goals from head to toes.
• Flu Vaccine and Diabetes » This printable document provides the patients with the rationale and importance of getting an annual flu vaccine.
• Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Education Teaching Sheet » This handout is one of my favorites. Cartoon characters depict the signs and symptoms of low and high blood sugars and then detail steps to take.
• Medication Wallet Card PDF » pocket sized document that includes contact info, list of medications and critical health data.
• Medication Wallet Card in WORD » Add your program’s logo and provide your clients with a useful, customized document that includes contact info, list of medications and critical health data.
• 4 Steps to Control Your-Diabetes–English PDF » An excellent booklet for patients- 17 different languages and tons of great info.
• 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes–Spanish PDF » An excellent booklet for patients-17 different languages and tons of great info.
• Pneumonia Vaccine and Diabetes » This printable document provides the patients with the rationale and importance of getting a pneumonia vaccine.

For more diabetes education resources, please visit our entire Article Library.

JR is 13 years old and has type 1 diabetes and their time in range is usually less than 50%.  JR’s mom finds empty soda bottles hidden in the back of JR’s drawer along with some candy bars.

JR’s mom is very upset about this discovery and asks you how to get this “situation under control”.  What is the most appropriate response?

1. Empathize with her and acknowledge that non-adherence is very common in this age group.
2. Gently ask her if she has noticed any other signs of disordered eating.
3. Explore if they have established clear guidelines for daily carb counting.
4. Recognize her feelings and explore problem solving strategies.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

Want to learn more about this practice question?
Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference
October 11-13th, 2023

Two Registration Options

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

• Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
• Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 

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 Hypoglycemia before meals. 37% 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 is worried how to best adjust insulin to address hypoglycemia and prevent future episodes.  They tell you that their blood sugar yesterday before lunch was 67 mg/dL and they were getting ready to eat 45 gms of carb and cover with 3 units of insulin.

 JR asks, what is the best strategy in this situation? What action do you advise JR to take?

Answer Choices:

1. Eat 15 gms of carbohydrates first to get blood sugar above 70, then cover with three units of bolus insulin and eat meal.
2. Decrease bolus insulin by about one unit, inject insulin then immediately eat meal.
3. Eat intended meal starting with carbs first, then take three units of insulin after completing meal.
4. All of the above could be options.
5. Only A or B are correct.

Getting to the Best Answer

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

Answer 1 is incorrect. 20.43% chose this answer. “Eat 15 gms of carbohydrates first to get blood sugar above 70, then cover with three units of bolus insulin and eat meal.” This standard intervention, often referred to as the “rule of 15”, is a safe approach that is certainly a correct option.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 12.07% of you chose this answer. “Decrease bolus insulin by about one unit, inject insulin then immediately eat meal.” This standard intervention is also a safe approach that is certainly a correct option.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 10.22% of respondents chose this. “Eat intended meal starting with carbs first, then take three units of insulin after completing meal.” This creative intervention is certainly a viable option that JR could choose.

Answer 4 is correct. 36.74% chose this answer. “All of the above could be options.” YES, this is the BEST answer.  People with type 1 diabetes can use a variety of approaches to address and treat hypoglycemia.  As diabetes care and education coaches, we take a person-centered approach, leaning into the individual’s expertise.  If an approach is safe and fits into JR’s lifestyle and comfort zone, we are going to support their decision.  We also keep the door open to reviewing the impact of the approach and engaging in collaborative problem solving as needed.

Finally, Answer 5 is incorrect 20.54% of you chose this answer. “Only A or B are correct.” Not quite the best answer since people with type 1 diabetes can use a variety of approaches to address and treat hypoglycemia.  As diabetes care and education coaches, we take a person-centered approach, leaning into the individual’s expertise.  If an approach is safe and fits into JR’s lifestyle and comfort zone, we are going to support their decision.  We also keep the door open to reviewing the impact of the approach and engaging in collaborative problem solving as needed.  That is why the answer choice “C” could also be correct. JR might be most comfortable with taking the insulin after the meal to avoid another hypoglycemic event.

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 practice question?
Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference
October 11-13th, 2023

Two Registration Options

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

• Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
• Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 

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.

MR arrived at the clinic last week with a bag full of stuff. To be honest, my imagination conjured that they had a bag of fresh peaches or other fruits from their local farm to share with the staff. I laughed when they pulled out bleach and coffee containers filled with lancets and needles. When we first met they had been tossing their used sharps in the trash. After I explained that those sharps can harm the sanitation workers plus they can mess up recycling equipment, they were more than happy to start tossing used needles and syringes in used bleach bottles and coffee cans. MR is not alone, many people living with diabetes use sharps such as lancets or needles to manage their diabetes and disposing of used sharps safely is important for all of us.

We want to share this helpful website, SafetyIsThePoint.org that gives instructions for how to safely dispose of household-used sharps. This website has videos, cheatsheets, and a search function for drop-off locations available by zip code.

Household Sharps Management

On their Household Sharps Management page, they outlined the steps for how to safely dispose of sharps in their household trash, along with an instructional video.

Finding Local Disposal Locations

Across the U.S. people living with Diabetes can enter their zip code and find disposal centers in their regions.

Cheatsheets

They also provide handy posters and cheatsheets on best practices for household sharps disposal.

• Used Household Sharps Disposal Poster
• Used Household Sharps Disposal Rack Card
• Household Sharps Fact Sheet
• Social Media Material

Check out their website, SafetyIsThePoint.org to read more.

Join us for our upcoming FREE webinar

3 Steps to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, and Report

Airs live on August 10, 2023, at 11:30 am PST

Coach Beverly walks participants through the 3 Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen and Report.   She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment and action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, and documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting.

Objectives:

1. Describe steps involved in effective foot assessment made easy.
2. Demonstrate how to use a monofilament to assess sensation.
3. Discuss the use of screening forms to report findings

Two Ways to Register

Intended Audience: This course is designed for all health care providers and educators, who are interested in learning more about assessing and saving feet in people living with diabetes.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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.

TR is 25 and has new type 1 diabetes and is hoping to get on an insulin pump soon. TR weighs 70 kgs and takes 8 units basal insulin at bedtime, plus takes 1 unit bolus insulin for every 15 gms of carbohydrate and their correction for hyperglycemia is 1 unit for every 50 points above 120.  When looking at TR’s ambulatory glucose profile, their time in range is 32% with 67% above range and about ~1% below range.  Glucose levels tend to increase starting with dinner at 5pm and stay elevated throughout the night. 

Based on this information, what change(s) could help improve time in range?

1. Avoid Somogyi effect from stacking bolus insulin.
2. Change insulin to carb ratio to 1:17.
3. Increase basal insulin by 2-3 units.
4. Adjust correction ratio to 1 unit for every 60 points above 120.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on Hypoglycemia during exercise. 79% 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 and tells you they limit their carbohydrate intake to 30 gms a day to prevent hyperglycemia.  Their A1C is 6.7% and time in range is over 70%.  They tell you their main goal is to figure out how to prevent hypoglycemia during exercise. 

What would be the best response using a person-centered approach?

Answer Choices:

1. Explore how they are currently managing blood sugars around exercise.
2. Reinforce that glucose needs to be above 100 mg/dL according to ADA Standards to prevent exercise induced hypoglycemia.
3. Gently suggest referral to a RD to evaluate actual daily carbohydrate needs.
4. Redirect the conversation to evaluate if JR might be experiencing 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 and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is correct]. 79.44% chose this answer. “Explore how they are currently managing blood sugars around exercise.” YES, GREAT JOB! Since this response is person centered and respectful of JR’s desire to learn how to prevent hypoglycemia, it is the best answer. Sometimes, we might be tempted to focus on a different goal than what the individual is requesting. However, by addressing their priorities FIRST, we build trust and create meaningful connections.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 7.73% of you chose this answer. “Reinforce that glucose needs to be above 100 mg/dL according to ADA Standards to prevent exercise induced hypoglycemia.” This answer doesn’t allow for exploration, personalization and customization. A glucose goal of “above 100” pre-exercise does not fit for everyone. People with type 1 diabetes often feel more comfortable with a blood sugar 180 mg/dL or greater before engaging in activity to prevent hypoglycemia from glucose expenditure during exercise.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 8.06% of respondents chose this. “Gently suggest referral to a RD to evaluate actual daily carbohydrate needs.” Although, JR is limiting his intake to 30gms carb a day, they have stated that they want to work on preventing exercise related hypoglycemia. Sometimes, we might be tempted to focus on a different goal than what the individual is requesting. However, by addressing their priorities FIRST, we build trust and create meaningful connections.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 4.77% chose this answer. “Redirect the conversation to evaluate if JR might be experiencing disordered eating.” Although, JR is limiting his intake to 30gms carb a day, they have stated that they want to work on preventing exercise related hypoglycemia. Sometimes, we might be tempted to focus on a different goal than what the individual is requesting. However, by addressing their priorities FIRST, we build trust and create opportunities to explore other topics in the future.

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?

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

“ReVive 5 Program is the best program I have ever attended – should be required for all diabetes educators! Thank you so much for translating this research into practical approaches!!” – Sarah F.

Save $100! Enroll now to watch the webinar on-demand

ReViVE 5 Diabetes Training Program: 
Unlocking Hidden Barriers to Diabetes Management
Enroll Now and Save $100! 

Recorded & Ready to Watch

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.

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:

• 15.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour 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.

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

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 is worried how to best adjust insulin to address hypoglycemia and prevent future episodes.  They tell you that their blood sugar yesterday before lunch was 67 mg/dL and they were getting ready to eat 45 gms of carb and cover with 3 units of insulin.

 JR asks, what is the best strategy in this situation? What action do you advise JR to take?

1. Eat 15 gms of carbohydrates first to get blood sugar above 70, then cover with three units of bolus insulin and eat meal.
2. Decrease bolus insulin by about one unit, inject insulin then immediately eat meal.
3. Eat intended meal starting with carbs first, then take three units of insulin after completing meal.
4. All of the above could be options.
5. Only A or B are correct.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge

Want to learn more about this practice question?
Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference
October 11-13th, 2023

Two Registration Options

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

• Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
• Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 

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.

Happy August

July has been an absolute scorcher. This extreme heat affects the health of vulnerable populations, including people with diabetes.

Our first newsletter article provides a concise summary of steps people with diabetes can take to keep safe during intense heat. Plus, we have included a FREE handout to share with your community.

Many people with diabetes are unaware that lancets and needles are considered hazardous waste and don’t know how to dispose of these sharps safely. We highlight an interactive website that provides safe disposal information customized by location.

To continue our 25 Year celebration, we are excited to announce our new FREE Podcast Series, “Diabetes Decoded with Coach Beverly.” Listen on-the-go to our nine available podcasts with more to come! Special thanks to my son, Jackson, for working over the summer to set up our Podcast station before heading off to study chemistry at UC Berkeley.

More celebrating with two free webinars this month— our new “Behavior Change Theories Made Easy” and our annual 3 Steps to DeFEET amputation. Invite your colleagues and join this fun learning opportunity.

Our updated Medication PocketCards are ready for shipping, and we invite you to challenge yourself with our Question and Rationale of the Week below.

We have more exciting swag and giveaway announcements coming soon as we continue to celebrate 25 years. Stay tuned!

With gratitude and appreciation,

Coach Beverly and Bryanna

Featured Articles

• Keeping Safe in the Heat
• Sharps Disposal Resources
• New: FREE Podcasts
• Updated Med Cards
• Question of the Week
• Rationale of the Week
• DiabetesEd Training October 11-13, San Diego

FREE Webinars & Resources

• New: FREE Webinars
• Prep for CDCES FREE Webinar on August 17th
• New: ADCES Review Guide Book

Upcoming Events – See the complete calendar listing

Free Resource Catalog

Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference with 4 Hours of Medical Nutrition Therapy
October 11-13th, 2023

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

• Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
• Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 

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.