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DiabetesEd Online University | Closed for Renovations Today, October 5th

DiabetesEd Online University is closed today to make the switch to our new platform.
We can’t wait to share our new look with you on Thursday, October 6th.

Students will be able to experience our New and Modernized learning platform starting Thursday! Since we will be busy setting up our new site, Bryanna and I may be delayed in answering emails and phone calls today. We appreciate your patience during this exciting renovation process.

Our main website and shopping cart will remain open.

We know for many of you, losing a day of progress can feel overwhelming and we appreciate your patience during this transition.

We invite you to use the following tools as part of your study plan while we make this transition.

•  Free Webinars – This page offers some helpful info on test taking and other topics.

•  CDCES Coach App – this app has a lot of great tools such as free quizzes that you can use to test your knowledge while the website is down.  
•  Cheat Sheets – We know that a great resource page full of accurate and helpful cheat sheets can save busy diabetes specialists time.
•  Medication PocketCards – Download here to use as a study tool and resource.

However, with any move, there are some details that need to be wrapped up.

Other Important Info for University Students

If you are currently enrolled and active in DiabetesEd Online University for the past 1 year, you will be able to experience the new platform as soon as we make the switch in October. You will be prompted to create a new username and password as part of the process.

When we flip the switch over, you will notice a new fresh home page, more intuitive navigations, and some additional bells and whistles.

Still have questions? Please email us at [email protected] or chat with us at www.DiabtesEd.net.

More to come! We will be sending you ongoing communications to keep you posted on our progress and enhancements.

Thank you, Beverly and Bryanna

Question of the Week | Best approach for distress & DKA?

RJ is in the hospital for the 3rd time this year in DKA.  You ask RJ to complete the diabetes distress survey tool and immediately recognize that RJ is experiencing high levels of diabetes distress.  

When working with RJ to assess what is happening, which of the following approaches could be used as a conversational tool?

  1. Use closed-ended questions to create a safe space for the interaction.
  2. Keep your clinical reports and records handy to use for reference.
  3. Accept RJ’s current self-management regimen without judgement.
  4. Avoid use of too many feeling words because it might embarrass RJ.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question? Join our NEW

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program | 14 CEs

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 with diabetes and the provider.

By addressing old habits that no longer serve us, we have the opportunity to create a new life tool kit toolkit in partnership with the person living with diabetes.

The ReVive 5 program is built on sound research and will revolutionize your approach to diabetes self-management education.

Join our Team of Experts | Starts Nov 1st, 14 CEs

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

Training Program Includes:

  • 14.0 CEs – Includes the 4 Session ReVive Training Program, Certificate and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content
    (Four 1.5 hour training sessions (6.0 CEs) plus Five bonus courses worth 9.0 CEs)
  • Quarterly 1 hour follow-up sessions with an expert -dates to be announced
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets and resources.


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

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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.

DiabetesEd Online University Closed for Renovations on 10/5/22

DiabetesEd Online University will be closed to make the switch to our new platform on Wednesday, October 5th, 2022. We can’t wait to share our new look with you on Thursday!

We are so excited to announce that on Wednesday, October 5th, we will be making the transition from our old DiabetesEd Online University to our New and Modernized learning platform! Please make sure to login and save your CE certificates that are older than a year ASAP!

To complete this final step, the Online University will be closed on Wednesday.
Our main website and shopping cart will remain open.

We know for many of you, losing a day of progress can feel overwhelming and we appreciate your patience during this transition.

We invite you to use the following tools as part of your study plan while we make this transition.

•  Free Webinars – This page offers some helpful info on test taking and other topics.

•  CDCES Coach App – this app has a lot of great tools such as free quizzes that you can use to test your knowledge while the website is down.  
•  Cheat Sheets – We know that a great resource page full of accurate and helpful cheat sheets can save busy diabetes specialists time.
•  Medication PocketCards – Download here to use as a study tool and resource.

However, with any move, there are some details that need to be wrapped up.

Please download CE certificates before October 3rd, 2022.

If you are enrolled in our Online University, please log into your account and download any course certificates that you completed more than a year ago. After the switch, we will only be storing certificates earned after September 2021, so please download your certificates into a file on your computer. Not sure how? See the steps under the “Read More” section below.

Keep an eye out for an email with instructions on creating a new login name and password so you can enjoy the enhanced online features without interruption. Also, after we make the switch, expect to receive a notification to update your username and password. Your current courses from the past year, test results, and resources will automatically be migrated to the new site.

Other Important Info for University Students

If you are currently enrolled and active in DiabetesEd Online University for the past 1 year, you will be able to experience the new platform as soon as we make the switch in October. You will be prompted to create a new username and password as part of the process.

When we flip the switch over, you will notice a new fresh home page, more intuitive navigations, and some additional bells and whistles.

If you are considering joining our Online University, now is the time to make your move. We will be making modest increases to some of our course prices for the first time in over ten years to match the increased costs of this enhanced service package.

If you enrolled more than 1 year ago and you . . .

  • Want to purchase new courses or extend expired courses, you will need to re-register in our new DiabetesEd Online University after we go live.
  • Want to get your historical CE certificate? Please login to your account ASAP to download CE certificates for your records. After the switch, we will only be storing certificates earned since September 2021. Not sure how? See the steps under the “Read More” section below.

Read More: Steps to log in and Get your Past CEs

  1. Go to the Student Login page at https://www.diabeteseduniversity.net/oltpublish/site/signin.do
  2. After logging in, you will your “Completed Items” list on your Dashboard. All completed courses will also be marked complete by a red ribbon icon, which lets you know you can print your certificate. To view all the completed courses, click the “View All” at the bottom of the completed box.
  3. Click the link that says “Print Certificate” and your certificate will open in a new tab. Either save to your computer or print from there.

Not sure when you enrolled? See the steps under the “Read More” section below. to check to see your enrollment and expiration dates.

Read More: Steps to Find Enrollment Start and End Dates

  1. Login to your account and under the “My Items” list on the left side of the page, click “Enrolled Courses”

2. Click the title of the course you want to check the status of. If you are enrolled in a Bundle, you only need to select one course within the bundle to verify.

3. After you click the course title, on the bottom right side of the page, you will see a box that says “Course Access” which will have your start and end dates to verify when you originally enrolled and when the course will expire.

Still have questions? Please email us at [email protected] or chat with us at www.DiabtesEd.net.

More to come! We will be sending you ongoing communications to keep you posted on our progress and enhancements.

Thank you, Beverly and Bryanna

Coach Bev’s 7 Takeaways | New ADA/EASD Type 2 Management Guidelines

The content of this newly published guideline is thoughtful, person-centered, and offers a clear clinical path for the management of type 2 diabetes. I tip my hat to the authors in gratitude for their dedication and vision.

Besides having lots of attractive infographics and a fantastic summary of the research, this guideline offers evidence-based strategies to get glucose to the goal with an emphasis on taking a person-centered approach to pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions. We invite you to enjoy a detailed review by joining our webinar or reading this brief summary of the findings that impressed me most.

  1. Metformin doesn’t have to be the initial therapy. 
    This medication has enjoyed the number one seat in the ADA guidelines for over a decade. And for good reason. In addition to being low cost ($4 a month), it does not cause low blood sugar or weight gain and it lowers A1C by 1-2% points.  Although it lowers LDL cholesterol, it is not officially recognized as a cardiovascular risk-lowering medication.
    The guidelines state, that in addition to lifestyle interventions if there is a history of CV disease, heart failure, or kidney disease, we need to turn our gaze elsewhere and consider an SGLT-2 Inhibitor or a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist.
     
  2. Embrace Diabetes Self Management Education (DSMES) as being as important as other aspects of care, including pharmacotherapy.
    This endorsement of the significance of DSMES in improving outcomes and quality of life in people living with diabetes is powerful. Research has demonstrated that people with diabetes who receive DSMES, including counseling by an RD/RDN, experience an A1C drop of 1-2%. In addition, they are less likely to be hospitalized, engage in more preventive behaviors, and know when to reach out for help. They go on to say that DSMES needs to offer on an ongoing basis, using a variety of delivery approaches, and should be accessible in all communities.

  3. If GFR is 20 or greater and the UACR is 30mg/g or more, start SGLT-2 Inhibitors.
    It doesn’t get much bolder than that statement.  There is the fine print, that recognizes that clinicians can use their discretion and judgment, but the data is clear.  The use of SGLT-2 slows the progression of kidney disease and can delay the need for dialysis. Even if glucose levels are at target, in the presence of renal failure, starting an SGLT-2 is indicated. Since the leading cause of death for those with kidney disease is CV events, if SGLT-2 can’t be tolerated for clinical reasons, using a GLP-1 with CV benefits would be the second choice.

  4. In the presence of heart failure, start an SGLT-2 Inhibitor.
    All four of the available SGLT-2 Inhibitors are effective “glucoretics” helping rid the body of excess sugar and fluid.  This action has a significant impact on improving not only glucose levels but decreasing fluid overload thereby improving cardiac function.  This class of medication is so effective at treating heart failure, that 2 of the 4 SGLT-2 meds are indicated to treat heart failure even in the absence of diabetes.

  5. Weight loss Goals Intensified
    Traditionally, in the recommendations, weight loss targets range from 5-7% for people with diabetes. However, these new guidelines suggest we aim for at least 5-10% weight loss with even better outcomes if people can lose 10-15% or more significant weight loss can lead to diabetes remission, improved metabolic profiles, and fewer complications. In the past, achieving these targets was usually linked to very low-calorie diets or metabolic surgery. However, with higher doses of the GLP-1 RA and the Dual GLP GIP Agonist, Tirzepatide, we have additional tools in our toolkit to get the job done.


    6. The placement of Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
    In the new ADA/EASD Algorithm, there are 2 hierarchies of medication effectiveness, glucose, and weight impact. As its trade name suggests, tirzepatide is at the top of the mountain of both lists (along with semaglutide) for its glucose-lowering properties and weight loss efficacy. This medication was studied in people with diabetes (Surpass) and people without diabetes (Surmount).

    In the diabetes group, at the highest dose, A1C dropped by over 2% and people experienced a 10% or greater weight loss.  In the non—diabetes group, people experienced up to 20% weight loss.  This medication is currently only approved for people with diabetes, but don’t be surprised if we see it on the market as a weight loss intervention for people without diabetes in the near future.

    7. Keep it person-centered and Address Social Determinants of Health. The last version of the guidelines recognizes that we have to consider the needs, values, and goals of the individual PATIENT.  In this newer version, they ditched the word “PATIENT” and finally replaced it with the term “PERSON”. This consensus statement also recognizes the importance of considering inequities in access to diabetes care and resources. They offer a comprehensive list of all of the social determinants of health to consider when providing care.

There is so much more to this article. I hope I have inspired you to read the complete ADA/EASD Consensus document or join our webinar on December 1st to learn more.


Meds for Type 2 Update; New ADA/EASD Consensus Statement
Level 2 | 1.25 CEs

Airs live on Wednesday, December 1st at 11:30 am PST

Plan on joining this exciting webinar that walks participants through the newly released, “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Consensus Report by the ADA and EASD”.  These updated guidelines will be incorporated into the 2023 ADA Standards of Care, but you can get a early sneak peak by joining Coach Beverly on December 1st, 2022.  She will highlight the revised guidelines with a focus on new elements and exciting changes on how we approach medication management for type 2 diabetes. Together, we will explore clinical factors to consider when determining the best strategy to improve glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes and other co-conditions. There will be a special focus on cardiovascular risk reduction and renal protection and addressing clinical inertia.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the role of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists in advocating for optimal therapeutic approaches.
  2. Discuss the application of the new ADA/EASD Guidelines to improve glucose and reduce CV and renal risk.
  3. List strategies to initiate and adjust oral and injectable therapy using a person-centered approach

Intended Audience:  A great course for health care professionals seeking evidence-based information that improves the quality of life and outcomes.


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.

Rationale of the Week | Best action before starting tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on the best action before starting Tirzepatide (Mounjaro). 67% 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:

AR is 36 years old with type 2 diabetes and a BMI of over 40.  Current A1C 7.9%, UACR less than 30, and GFR more than 60.  Current diabetes medications include metformin, sitagliptin, and empagliflozin at maximum doses.  AR is prescribed the new dual incretin tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to help improve glucose levels and support weight loss. 

Before starting tirzepatide (Mounjaro), what action do you recommend to the provider?

Answer Choices:

  1. Repeat the UACR and GFR to verify kidney function.
  2. Stop the sitagliptin.
  3. Decrease metformin dose to prevent hypoglycemia.
  4. Evaluate thyroid function.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 11.31% chose this answer, “Repeat the UACR and GFR to verify kidney function.” This is not the best answer because JR has great kidney function, evidenced by a normal UACR and GFR. So we do not need to recheck kidney function before starting this new dual incretin tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

Answer 2 is correct. 67.43% of you chose this answer, “Stop the sitagliptin.” YES, this is the best answer. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend against combination therapy with a DPP4-inhibitor and a GLP-1 RA due to the lack of evidence that this strategy is beneficial. Initial research combining the two classes, reflect a negligible glucose lowering effect when GLP-1’s and DPP-4’s are combined. Given the approximate average wholesale price for the DPP-4 inhibitor of $434 and GLP-1 RA of $887, using both simultaneously is not cost effective or clinically beneficial.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 4.4.% of respondents chose this answer, “Decrease metformin dose to prevent hypoglycemia.” No need to decrease the metformin dose, since JR is not on any medication class that will cause hypoglycemia.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 16.82% chose this answer, “Evaluate thyroid function.” This class of medication is not recommended for any person with a history of medullary thyroid tumor. However, we don’t need to draw a TSH to see if this medication is safe, we would simply do a careful history to see if there is a family history of medullary thyroid tumor.

Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”. You can download our Medication PocketCard below, for more information.


New Injectable – “TwinCretin” on Printed PocketCards

We have just added this novel, first in class, dual incretin hormone therapy, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), to our printed version of our Diabetes Medication PocketCard.

This new twin therapy includes not only a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, but also a Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which magnifies the therapeutic effectiveness. The SURPASS studies indicate that study participants experienced an A1C drop of up to 2.5% and weight loss of up to 10kg or more.


Want to learn more about Diabetes Medications?

Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference | 30+ CEs

Airs October 12-14th, 2022

Virtual Conference Banner with Speakers Oct 22.v2

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Training Conference and enjoy a sense of community!

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

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

Two Registration Options

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

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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.

New Tubeless Insulin Delivery System Approved for Toddlers

The FDA just authorized the Insulet Omnipod 5 tubeless insulin delivery system for pediatrics with type 1 diabetes starting as young as age 2. This remarkable moment marks the availability of the world’s first tubeless, wearable insulin delivery system for toddlers.

The Omnipod 5 received FDA approval earlier this year for integration with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor for adults and kids with type 1, but Insulet also petitioned the FDA to approve this technology for toddlers.

First Tubeless Hybrid Closed Loop System

This first tubeless hybrid closed loop system to receive FDA authorization includes the Omnipod 5, Dexcom G6 CGM and a phone app or controller to manage insulin delivery and monitor glucose levels. The Omnipod holds three days worth of insulin in a pod delivery device without the need for tubing, which can be helpful for active toddlers. No calibration or fingersticks are required.

As a hybrid loop system, the Omnipod and Dexcom are continuously data sharing, so most of the insulin delivery is automated. However, users can make needed adjustments, deliver bolus insulin and easily share data with the smartphone app or Ominpod 5 Controller.

Promising Outcome Data

Based on a study presented at the annual ADA Scientific Session, children with type 1 diabetes experienced a drop in A1C levels from a baseline of 7.4% to 6.9% and they remained at this improved A1C level for one year into the study. Time in range also increased from 57% at baseline to 68% after using the Omnipod 5 for three months. In addition, there were no reported cases of DKA or severe hypoglycemia. For more information on the latest in insulin pumps and CGMs, please join our Virtual Conference with technology expert Diana Issacs. In addition to explaining the technology, she provides an awesome “show and tell”.

Lila Grace Moss wears Omnipod on Runway

On a related note, I would like to give recognition to the courageous Lila Grace Moss, who lives with type 1 diabetes. On a recent runway show, she did not shy away from wearing her Omnipod as she modeled the latest fashion styles with camera’s clicking and hundreds of audience members.

Social media took note and many instagram followers thanked Lila for her bold and brave statement.

Thanks Lila!


Want to learn more about Technology and Diabetes Care?  Join us for our

Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference
30+ CEs

Airs October 12-14th, 2022

Virtual Conference Banner with Speakers Oct 22.v2

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Training Conference and enjoy a sense of community!

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

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

Two Registration Options

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

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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 Week | JT is Carb limiting to 30gms a day. Best Response?

JT has type 1 diabetes and tells you they are avoiding carbs and trying to eat less than 30gms of carbs daily.  JT is 76 years old, with an A1C of 6.6% and a BMI of 22.

What is the best response?

  1. Suggest JT try to eat a minimum of 30- 45 gms of carb per meal.
  2. Gently suggest to JT that they might have disordered eating.
  3. Explore JT’s reasons for avoiding carbs.
  4. Provide a review of carb portions and refer JT to an RD/RDN.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


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.

By releasing old habits that no longer serve us, we have the opportunity to create a new life tool kit toolkit in partnership with the person living with diabetes.

The ReVive 5 program is built on international research study results and will revolutionize your approach to diabetes self-management education.

Join our Team of Experts

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.
  • Free Quarterly ReVive 5 Connect – connect with the instructors to help with problem-solving for an hour four times a year (see dates below).
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

Dates and Times for ReVive Virtual Training

  • For your convenience, we have combined the 4 sessions into 2 half days. Same great content.
  • July 19 and 26th from 9 am to 12:30 pm PST. Space is limited, so save your space today!

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.

Join us in Congratulating our Flower Scholarship Recipients!

We are excited to announce our DiabetesEd Flower Scholarship Recipients!

Flower Scholar Recipients Fall 2022

The Diabetes Educator Flower Scholarship is awarded to 2 individuals each year. This scholarship awards two deserving applicants the opportunity to attend our DiabetesEd Specialist Virtual Conference on October 12-14, 2022 free of charge. This gift of recognition is donated by a generous diabetes nurse specialist who believes that the health of our future depends on supporting diabetes educators in providing care in underserved communities.

The Flower Scholarship’s vision is to increase diversity in the diabetes education workforce by supporting diabetes nurse educators who come from underserved communities. 

It is always a very difficult decision for all of the judges. We read each application in careful detail considering the applicant’s impact on underserved communities, building bridges to improve access, volunteerism, financial need and readiness to take the CDCES exam. Read more about Ms. Owens and Ms. Hillman below.


Our “Flower” recipients are Janeka Owens & Patricia Hillman
 Congratulations from all of us at Diabetes Education Services!

Janeka Owens is a recipient of our “Flower Scholarship” because of her belief that “Diversity and representation matter in diabetes education”. She turns this belief into action in her work as a Nurse Educator in a hospital and in an outpatient Population Health Department in Pensacola, Florida. In addition to providing individual education, Janeka also provides group classes to both insured and uninsured individuals. She assists with hospital discharges and care management for individuals experiencing food and medical insecurity and makes sure they are connected with community health centers to receive ongoing care. Janeka goes on to say that, “representation is important to improve outcomes, build stronger communities and overall restore trust in health care”. Thank you, Janeka, for being a trusted health care provider and advocating to improve access to diabetes self-management and support programs for your community members.  


Patricia Hillman is also a Flower Scholarship Recipient. She provides diabetes care at a federally qualified health center in an underserved community. Many of the people she serves have no insurance and struggle to manage their diabetes. Patricia works directly with her Maternal/Fetal physician to co-manage people during pregnancy and often follows up with high-risk individuals on weekends. Many of the clients she serves, have limited resources, and lack insurance coverage. Patricia goes out her way to make sure they have needed resources and that they can easily access her with questions and concerns. Patricia has created a library of information in English, Spanish and Creole to meet community needs and create bridges of understanding.  She often accompanies those who have not yet learned English to the pharmacy to assist with language barriers and ensure they get the supplies they need. Patricia plans to apply the knowledge garnered from the course to continue empowering her community.

Congratulations to Janeka and PatriciaYou both are Flower Scholarship Recipients!


Want to Join Janeka and Patricia at our Virtual DiabetesEd Training Conference?

Enroll Now!

Airs October 12-14th, 2022

Virtual Conference Banner with Speakers Oct 22.v2

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Training Conference and enjoy a sense of community!

Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.

Download Course Flyer | Download Schedule

If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.

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

Two Registration Options

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.