
We are excited to announce Diabetes Decoded: Expert Insights with Coach Beverly FREE podcasts, available on most streaming platforms!
Our new Diabetes Decoded Podcast Series makes it easy to access our library of FREE courses no matter where you are, so you can listen to this information on the go on your mobile device or while driving.
At Diabetes Education Services, our goal is to provide inclusive learning opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking certification or updates on the latest diabetes information. We have curated nine free course topics and plan to add two more to this FREE learning library by the end of the year.
Diabetes Decoded FREE Podcast Topics:
Our podcasts are an audio version of Coach Bev’s FREE webinars and stream on platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Castbox, and Google Podcast! These websites have downloadable apps so you can take Coach Bev with you on your phone or listen to her in the car. Each of these apps has listening features that allow you to enjoy this handpicked library of free podcasts. Stay tuned for any updates or potentially podcast-exclusive information.
Podcasts are perfect for information sharing. As a company dedicate to improving diabetes care, we are excited to provide these for free so that more people can access and enjoy them without any cost. No CEs are provided, but our podcasts are chock full of helpful information and there is more to come!
New Diabetes Decoded Podcast Topics Coming Soon:
Thanks again for making a difference in the lives of people with diabetes. We appreciate all you do!
As diabetes technology is becoming commonplace in our practice, figuring out how to make sense of all the data can seem overwhelming. Dr. Isaacs has a special knack for breaking down the essential elements of the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) and other reports to provide participants with a clear road map for data interpretation. She includes tons of sample practice cases utilizing CGM, connected pens, and insulin pumps.
By attending this interactive workshop, participants will become more confident in interpreting the AGP and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data and determining needed medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Topics include:
Instructor: Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES, was awarded ADCES Diabetes Care and Educational Specialist of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She is the Director of Education & Training in Diabetes Technology at the Cleveland Clinic. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects focusing on medications, CGM, and diabetes technology. You won’t want to miss this hands-on workshop with an international expert in the field.
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 review how to help improve time in range. 79% of respondents chose the best answer which is awesome. 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: 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?
Answer Choices:

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 4.98% chose this answer. “Avoid Somogyi effect from stacking bolus insulin.” Somogyi is when blood sugars drop and the counter-regulatory system releases hormones that can dramatically increase blood sugar levels (sometimes referred to as rebound hyperglycemia). Since TR’s glucose levels tend to increase starting with dinner at 5pm and stay elevated throughout the night, they are not experiencing the hypoglycemia associated with the Somogyi effect.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 6.85% of you chose this answer. “Change insulin to carb ratio to 1:17.” Since TR’s glucose levels tend to increase starting with dinner at 5pm and stay elevated throughout the night, this is not due to post meal hyperglycemia. Overnight hyperglycemia is usually connected to inadequate basal insulin dosing.
Answer 3 is correct. About 79.44% of respondents chose this. “Increase basal insulin by 2-3 units.” YES, GREAT JOB! Since TR’s glucose levels tend to increase starting with dinner at 5pm and stay elevated throughout the night, this is an indication that TR has inadequate basal insulin dosing.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.72% chose this answer. “Adjust correction ratio to 1 unit for every 60 points above 120.” Since TR’s glucose levels tend to increase starting with dinner at 5pm and stay elevated throughout the night, this is not due to post meal hyperglycemia or inadequate bolus insulin correction coverage. Overnight hyperglycemia is usually connected to inadequate basal insulin dosing.
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!
As diabetes technology is becoming commonplace in our practice, figuring out how to make sense of all the data can seem overwhelming. Dr. Isaacs has a special knack for breaking down the essential elements of the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) and other reports to provide participants with a clear road map for data interpretation. She includes tons of sample practice cases utilizing CGM, connected pens, and insulin pumps.
By attending this interactive workshop, participants will become more confident in interpreting the AGP and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data and determining needed medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Topics include:
Instructor: Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES, was awarded ADCES Diabetes Care and Educational Specialist of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She is the Director of Education & Training in Diabetes Technology at the Cleveland Clinic. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects focusing on medications, CGM, and diabetes technology. You won’t want to miss this hands-on workshop with an international expert in the field.
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.
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!

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?
Click Here to Test your Knowledge


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:
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:

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!


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:
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.
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.

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

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

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:
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?
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:

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!
“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.

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:
Accredited Training Program:
“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.