Bryanna’s Birthday August Sale
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We love her wicked sense of humor, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge, all packaged together with her big-hearted humanity. Bryanna is also the proud mama of Biscuit and Muffin, who she often features as the feline stars in her “Cat Bakery.” Thank you, Bryanna, for your generosity and for leading our team with your expertise, humanity, and kindness. |
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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the diabetes certification exams. CBDCE & ADCES does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the certification exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
**To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). CBDCE does not approve of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.
Rationale of the Week | Understanding Ankle Brachial Index – What is True?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on understanding ankle brachial index. 68% 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: People of color living with diabetes are at increased risk of lower extremity complications and amputations. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) measures lower extremity vessel disease in individuals with diabetes and is an important tool to evaluate risk of future complications.
Which of the following is true regarding ABI?
Answer Choices:
- ABI result of less than 0.90 indicates peripheral arterial disease.
- ABI compares brachial systolic blood pressures between left and right arms.
- People with bounding pulses in lower extremities benefit from ABI testing.
- ABI testing can only be conducted by a vascular specialist.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 67.75% chose this answer. “ABI result of less than 0.90 indicates peripheral arterial disease.” GREAT JOB. The ABI is a ratio that measures arterial perfusion in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. In brief, the ABI compares the systolic brachial pressure in the arm to the systolic pressure of the lower extremity (using the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pressure). To indicate adequate arterial circulation, the lower extremity pressure should be equal to the brachial pressure, or a ratio of 0.99 or better. Therefore, an ABI of less than 0.99 indicates decreased arterial circulation in lower extremities; an alert of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) People with peripheral arterial disease may also complain of pain in calves, legs or buttocks when walking that is relieved by stopping movement. Discovery of PAD requires referral to a specialist to determine next steps to treat PAD and to mitigate future risk of lower extremity complications and heart disease. For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 9.0% of you chose this answer. “ABI compares brachial systolic blood pressures between left and right arms.” The ABI is a ratio that measures arterial perfusion in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. In brief, the ABI compares the systolic brachial pressure in the arm to the systolic pressure of the lower extremity (using the posterior tibial or dorsalis pedis pressure). For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 14.5% of respondents chose this. “People with bounding pulses in lower extremities benefit from ABI testing.” Bounding pulses in the lower extremity is a positive sign of adequate lower extremity circulation. For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.75% chose this answer. “ABI testing can only be conducted by a vascular specialist.” ABI can be conducted in a variety of medical settings as long as the health care professional has completed training on how to perform an accurate ABI, For more info, we offer a FREE webinar called 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation. Assess, Screen Report.
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!
Starting your journey to becoming a CDCES?
We recommend watching our FREE Preparing for CDCES Exam Webinar!
This course will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.
Why become a CDCES?
Three Reasons from Coach Beverly
Read More: 3 Reasons to Become a CDCES “The best part of becoming a CDCES is working with my colleagues and people living with diabetes. As diabetes educators, we hear compelling and beautiful life stories. I am astounded by the barriers they face and inspired by their adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience.“ Reason 1: CDCES is a widely recognized certification by employers and health care professionals throughout the U.S. This credential demonstrates a specialized and in-depth knowledge in the prevention and treatment of individuals living with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Reason 2: Currently, 13% of people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 36% have pre-diabetes which means 49% of Americans are running around with elevated blood glucose levels. Given this epidemic, there will be plenty of future job opportunities. Reason 3: Having my CDCES along with my nursing degree, has opened many doors of opportunity; from working as an inpatient Diabetes Nurse Specialist in a hospital to working as a Manager of Diabetes Education in the outpatient setting to starting my own consulting company.
- Exam requirement updates and eligibility
- New test format starting in July 2024
- 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!
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.
Instructor
Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES
Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician, and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years and has successfully passed the CDCES exam six times. As president and founder of Diabetes Education Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.
“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
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the diabetes certification exams. CBDCE & ADCES does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the certification exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
**To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). CBDCE does not approve of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.
Rationale of the Week | Metformin and Cancer
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on the interaction of Metformin with cancer. 66% 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 is taking Metformin 1000mg BID but is worried about getting cancer and is thinking about stopping the metformin.
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding diabetes, metformin and cancer?
Answer Choices:
- There is research suggesting that metformin may be associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers.
- Metformin is associated with B12 deficiency and anemia, so it is best to hold metformin for now.
- There is no additional benefit from metformin, since people with diabetes have a slightly lower risk of liver and uterine cancers.
- Metformin does not increase risk of cancer, but it can negatively impact renal function.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 65.63% chose this answer. “There is research suggesting that metformin may be associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers.” Yes, this is the best answer. According to the ADA Standards, there is ongoing research on metformin’s potential role for decreasing and treating certain cancers due to it’s anti-inflammatory action at a cellular level. Metformin is the most common diabetes medication in use worldwide for good reason. It is affordable and effective. In addition to lowering blood glucose and LDL cholesterol, metformin increases gut microbiota diversity and has an excellent safety profile. See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 5.47% of you chose this answer. “Metformin is associated with B12 deficiency and anemia, so it is best to hold metformin for now.” While it is true that some individuals experience B12 deficiency with metformin, the benefits of metformin outweigh the potential impact on vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to evaluate anemia and nerve pain in people on metformin and provide B12 replacement therapy if indicated. See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 1.95% of respondents chose this. “There is no additional benefit from metformin, since people with diabetes have a slightly lower risk of liver and uterine cancers.” People with diabetes have increased risk of breast, liver and pancreatic cancers. Encouraging healthy lifestyle along with regular cancer screenings is an integral part of providing diabetes care. See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 26.95% chose this answer. “Metformin does not increase risk of cancer, but it can negatively impact renal function.” This answer is FALSE. Many people with diabetes have recently shared with me that they are worried that metformin is “bad” for them and causes kidney damage. There is no data to support this and the opposite is actually true. Since metformin lowers A1C by 1-2% points, it protects the kidneys and blood vessels. Metformin is mostly cleared by the kidneys, so the GFR needs to be at least 30 mL/min to safely take metformin. However, metformin has no negative impact on kidney function and is considered a very safe and beneficial diabetes medication by the scientific and medical community, See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
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!
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We love her wicked sense of humor, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge, all packaged together with her big-hearted humanity. Bryanna is also the proud mama of Biscuit and Muffin, who she often features as the feline stars in her “Cat Bakery.” Thank you, Bryanna, for your generosity and for leading our team with your expertise, humanity, and kindness. |
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Hispanic Heritage Month – Celebrate & Advocate
We are thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th. As a diabetes educator who has the honor of serving the Hispanic and Latinx community, it is a joy to celebrate the rich cultural contributions and heritage of this community.
This month also provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about the health issues, including diabetes, that affect this community. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, one in two Hispanic men and women are predicted to develop type 2 diabetes within their lifetime. Compared to their white counterparts, those living with diabetes are 50% more likely to die from complications.
Lack of access to healthcare and language barriers can play a role in limiting diabetes self-management knowledge, combined with socioeconomic factors that contribute to challenges in receiving needed care, education, and diabetes treatments.
Be authentically curious while promoting best health
Given that diabetes is a significant health issue for Hispanic and Latinx populations in the United States, here are some key points to consider during Hispanic Heritage Month:
- Education: Providing culturally sensitive diabetes education and resources in both English and Spanish can help individuals better understand the condition and its management.
- Promoting Healthy Eating: Encouraging enjoyment of traditional foods that are healthy and affordable, with an emphasis on whole grains, and high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
- Physical Activity: Promoting physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Organizing community events or activities during Hispanic Heritage Month can be a great way to encourage exercise.
- Access to Healthcare: Advocating for better access to healthcare, including regular check-ups and screenings for diabetes, can help individuals receive timely treatment and support.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with Hispanic and Latinx communities through cultural events and celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month can serve as an opportunity to spread awareness and provide resources related to diabetes.
- Be Curious – According to Sandra Arevalo, MPH, RDN, CDN, CLC, CDCES, FADA, “Talking to clients about their background, culture and culinary customs is your best way to learn critical details about their lives. Most people are very proud to share facts about their culture, even more, when they find someone who is authentically curious and has an open mind.”
Hispanic Heritage Month provides a platform to address important health issues, such as diabetes, within Hispanic and Latinx communities. By decreasing barriers to education and access to healthcare, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of diabetes and improving the overall health and well-being of these important communities.
Education Resources in Spanish
- Diabetes Tip Sheets in Spanish (and other languages) published by ADCES
- NIDDK Diabetes Education in Spanish – includes the ability to create a customized search for educational materials in a variety of languages.
- Beyond Type 1 in Español – a Spanish-language website full of great information for people living with type 1 diabetes.
- ADA Spanish language web resource page
- DiabetesEd Patient Teaching Sheets in English and Spanish
Join us Live in Sunny San Diego for our
Annual DiabetesEd Training Conference
October 9th-11th, 2024
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 on October 9-11, 2024.
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!
Each day, we provide a healthy breakfast, including fresh coffee, to kick off your morning. Our instructors co-teach the content to keep things fresh and lively. Plus, we play DiaBingo to reinforce key content. In addition, we provide plenty of movement breaks led by volunteers from the audience. Did we mention delicious lunches and a conference meeting space just minutes from San Diego Bay?
Friend Discount: 3 or more only $559-$799 (based on registration package) per person. Email us at info@diabetesed.net with the name and email of each registrant to get the discount!
Time: The course is Wednesday through Friday. Join us for breakfast at 7:00 a.m. each day. The class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
- 3 Days: of critical information delivered by passionate speakers in an engaging and fun format!
- 18+ CEs: earned at the Live Seminar (RDs earn 18.75 CEs while Nurses & CA Pharmacists earn 22.75 CEs)
- 10 Bonus Online Courses, Earn 10+ CEs: As a course attendee, you automatically receive a bonus online course bundle of 13 online courses valued at over $179. Coach Beverly carefully chose each of these courses based on student feedback on which content best helped them succeed at the certification exams and in their clinical practice. You will be given instructions after you purchase the course on how to enroll in our Online University and get started!
- Healthy breakfast all days, gourmet lunch both days and refreshments.
- E-version of the syllabus
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
August 2024 eNews | DSME & the 5 M’s, 3 Health Boosting Actions for Summer & Beyond, Bryanna’s Birthday August Sale – Save $100
Happy August
For this month’s newsletter, we want to share articles of hope and value for our community.
Our first article highlights a new framework for providing diabetes self-management education and increasing those cherished “AHA” moments. As part of the team researching the effectiveness of the AH-HA framework, I’m sold on this simple and effective approach to encouraging self-discovery. The AH-HA program incorporates the 5 M framework, developed by Martha Funnell and team, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and empowerment for program participants. We have outlined the AH-HA program and invite you to experiment with this fresh approach when working with individuals or in group settings.
If you are looking for simple summer strategies to boost health, we have outlined three actions people with diabetes can take to improve their well-being. These achievable actions that are easy to kick-start and will provide blood glucose and health benefits long after summer fades into fall.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Bryanna’s August birthday. For the past 4 years, Bryanna has been a beacon of leadership, serving as our Director of Operations and visionary Customer Experience Advocate. Her recent initiatives, such as revitalizing our shopping cart images and reinforcing our commitment to inclusion and advocacy, have been truly inspiring. To kick off her birthday celebration, she suggested a $100 off summer sale, a suggestion we wholeheartedly embraced. And of course, we made sure her beloved cats, Biscuit and Muffin, were included in the celebration.
More good news. We are overjoyed to welcome Tiffany as the new Customer Advocate and Administrative Assistant to our team. Her calm and caring personality and her depth of knowledge of social media and education companies make her a fantastic addition to our team. As we continue to expand our community outreach, you will notice a revitalization of our Instagram platform and our Facebook CDCES Prep Page thanks to Tiffany’s hard work.
We celebrate our community every day and are deeply appreciative for all the hard work and dedication you put into improving diabetes care. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and we are truly grateful for your contributions.
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Warmly, Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Tiffany, Christine, Andrew, and Ginger |
Featured Articles
- AH-HA – A Fresh Approach to DSME
- 3 Health Boosting Actions for Summer & Beyond
- Bryanna’s Birthday August Sale – Save $100
- Welcome Tiffany
- Question of the Week
- Rationale of the Week
- ReVive 5 –Ready for OnDemand Viewing
Upcoming Webinars
- 3 Steps to Save Feet- Aug 1
- Prep for BC-ADM- Aug 8
- Prep for CDCES FREE Webinar – Aug 14
- Insulin Calculation- Aug 20
- Solving Glucose Mysteries Type 1- Aug 22
- Solving Glucose Mysteries Type 2- Aug 27
- Aloha! Join us in Hawaii Conference on Oct 18th with Coach Beverly.
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We love her wicked sense of humor, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge, all packaged together with her big-hearted humanity. Bryanna is also the proud mama of Biscuit and Muffin, who she often features as the feline stars in her “Cat Bakery.” Thank you, Bryanna, for your generosity and for leading our team with your expertise, humanity, and kindness. |
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Three Emerging Topics Shaping the Future of Diabetes Care
by Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES
The vibrant food, music, and culture of New Orleans, along with networking opportunities, were undoubtedly highlights of ADCES 24 this year. Thought-provoking sessions on health equality, disordered eating in diabetes, and strategies to prevent therapeutic inertia made ADCES 24 an enriching experience for all attendees.
Three key topics emerged on advancements aimed at improving individualized care management and actively shaping the future of diabetes care.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay.
Diabetes care and education specialists will benefit from an improved understanding of the applications and integrations available at our disposal. Integrating AI into clinical practice offers significant potential for personalized patient care, especially in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. AI-powered tools can analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and provide tailored recommendations, enhancing the precision of nutritional guidance and diabetes management plans. However, challenges remain, particularly when ensuring the quality of AI systems. These models may lack diversity, leading to biases affecting data accuracy and recommendations.
Addressing AI biases is crucial to ensure AI tools support equitable healthcare delivery and foster better outcomes for all individuals with diabetes.
Whole Person Care – CV Risk Calculator
As our Standards of Care suggest, whole-person diabetes care involves going beyond glucose management and focusing on whole-body systems. Cardiovascular metabolic kidney (CKM) syndrome requires a multifaceted approach, targeting the interconnected risk factors of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and kidney dysfunction.1 Published in 2023, the PREVENT calculator,2 developed by the American Heart Association Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Scientific Advisory group, provides a 10-year and 30-year risk estimate for CVD, ASCVD, and heart failure. The PREVENT equation considers cardiovascular and other risk factors such as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, A1C, or social determinants of health (zip code). We can utilize this risk calculator, but to address cardio, metabolic, and renal disease we can merge the health care silos and offer integrative, comprehensive care models and treatment plans.
By Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES
Type 1 Diabetes Key Updates
There are exciting advances in type one diabetes management including technology, organizational updates, and a focus on progression prevention. The latest advancements in automated insulin delivery (AID) technologies and new partnerships expand options for individuals with diabetes. These advances and additions to the competitive market are crucial for enhancing patient care and offering personalized management strategies.
On June 4th, 2024, JDRF became Breakthrough T1.3 This name change reflects the breakthroughs in research, access, and education and represents the diversity in the age of those living with type 1 diabetes. Prevention of type 1 diabetes progression is focused on immunotherapy approaches, aiming to preserve beta-cell function and delay the onset of the disease. Clinical trials have shown promise with therapies such as teplizumab-mzwv, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, which has been approved by the FDA to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in individuals at high risk. Early screening and identification of at risk through genetic and immunological markers are also being integrated into clinical practice, allowing for earlier intervention and more personalized prevention plans.
A new Consensus paper published in June of 2024 provides “Guidance for monitoring individuals with islet autobody-positive pre-stage 3 type 1 diabetes”.4 The paper reviews education, monitoring, and treatment initiation recommendations and discusses psychological support systems. This consensus notes that monitoring of stage 1 Type 1 Diabetes will most likely take place within primary care offices; however, specialists may be needed to support stage 2 monitoring and education. There will be new ICD-10 codes to allow improved monitoring of islet autobody-positive pre-stage individuals to ensure appropriate tracking and treatment when required. These developments reflect an emphasis on not just managing type 1 diabetes but actively working to prevent its progression and improve the quality of life for those at risk.
As diabetes care and education specialists, staying informed and engaged with the latest tools and approaches can improve quality of care. I encourage you to delve deeper into these topics, explore how AI can enhance your practice, integrate comprehensive care models like CKM into management, and keep abreast of the latest developments in type 1 diabetes treatment and prevention.
Together, we can continue to elevate the standard of care and improve outcomes for all individuals living with diabetes.
1. Krentz A, et al. Rising to the challenge of cardio-renal-metabolic disease in the 21st century: Translating evidence into best clinical practice to prevent and manage atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis. Volume 396, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.118528.
2. PREVENT Calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
3. Breakthrough T1: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/
4. Phillip M. et al. Consensus Guidance for Monitoring Individuals with Islet Autoantibody–Positive Pre-Stage 3 Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. July 2024; 47(8):1276–1298. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci24-0042
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Meet Jessica Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES | DiabetesEd Training Conference Speaker
We are thrilled that Jessica Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES, will be joining us for our DiabetesEd Training Conference LIVE in San Diego, October 9th – 11th, 2024.
Jessica Jones, MS, RDN, CDCES, is a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist committed to making nutrition education accessible to everyone. As the CEO and co-founder of Diabetes Digital, Jessica has been pivotal in developing an innovative telehealth platform that provides tailored nutrition counseling for individuals with diabetes and prediabetes.
Join me in San Diego for a presentation on MNT essentials that will prepare you for certification and beyond. We’ll incorporate Health at Every Size and a culturally inclusive framework that respects and empowers individuals with diabetes.
Describe your approach to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT):
My approach to medical nutrition therapy is all about centering the individual—because they’re the experts on their own life! My job is to support them and offer practical tools for whatever they’re navigating. Instead of laying down a list of what someone “should” do, I always ask if I can share information and then work with them to figure out the next best (and realistic!) step. And if someone isn’t sure where to start, I’ll give them a menu of options so they can decide what feels doable.
I’m also a big fan of motivational interviewing, using things like reflecting and rolling with resistance to help people tap into their own inner drive.
As a Black dietitian, I strongly advocate for cultural humility in healthcare. I love working with diverse communities and learning about different foods and traditions. It’s important that people feel empowered to include their favorite cultural foods in ways that support their health without losing the joy and connection that food brings to their lives. I also practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective because everyone deserves access to healthcare, the opportunity to pursue health, and to be treated with respect—no matter their size.
I focus on building a healthy relationship with food by encouraging intuitive eating and body respect.
Tell us about your journey to become a specialist in diabetes education:
Honestly, I never thought I had a shot at becoming a CDCES until about ten years ago when Beverly gave an in-service at my job and taught us about diabetes. I still remember the stuffed pancreas toy that she used to demonstrate beta cell destruction. After her talk, I chatted with my supervisor and realized that my work at my primary care clinic counted towards my CDCES hours. Most of the people we served had a history of diabetes or prediabetes, and I was already providing counseling and sharing tips to help improve A1Cs.
Once I completed the required hours and my supervisor signed off, I signed up for Beverly’s DiabetesEd 3-day live training program in Carmel, California. As a dietitian, I was so nervous and intimidated by all the diabetes medications and insulin. But that course gave me all the tools I needed and helped me focus on what to study.
I was thrilled to pass the exam on my first try in 2016.
Since then, I’ve worked in various settings with countless individuals. The joy of seeing them improve their health, lower their A1c, and build a healthy relationship with food has been the one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.
Share what motivated you (and your bestie) to start your own companies:
Wendy Lopez and I started our companies because we saw a huge gap in how people, especially those from diverse backgrounds, were being supported around their health. We’re both dietitians (MS, RD, CDCES) with over 20 years of combined experience, and we’ve worked in all sorts of settings—UCSF, NYC Department of Health, Alameda Health System, Columbia/New York Presbyterian—you name it.
Through all of this, we kept seeing the same issues: outdated, one-size-fits-all advice that often wasn’t culturally relevant and sometimes even pushed people toward disordered eating patterns.
About 12 years ago, we decided to change the narrative by creating Food Heaven—a platform where wellness meets social justice. With Food Heaven, we’ve reached millions, breaking down how food, culture, and health are deeply connected and showing that there’s more than one way to be healthy. But as we continued our work and our audience grew, we felt a pull to go deeper into our roots in diabetes education and provide even more focused support for those living with diabetes.
That’s how Diabetes Digital came to life. With Diabetes Digital, we wanted to create an accessible space where diabetes care helps people thrive—not just manage numbers. We offer 1:1 diabetes nutrition counseling (covered by insurance!) through our team of diverse registered dietitians who are not only experts in diabetes care but also committed to culturally inclusive, weight-inclusive, and person-centered approaches.
What is your favorite food and hobby?
How much time do we have? Because I have a lot of hobbies and I definitely live to eat! My favorite food is Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine—lucky for me, I married an Eritrean man! His mom is an amazing cook and often sends us home with delicious leftovers like homemade Injera, Shiro (chickpeas), Hamli (greens), and Timtimo (lentils).
As for hobbies, I’m currently doing improv, which is absolutely terrifying, but I’m doing it anyway—that’s my motto for my 40s! I also recently took a stand-up comedy course and performed a 7-minute routine at a comedy club… in front of a live audience. (Hey, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?) Besides that, I love anything related to real estate, home decor, gardening, travel, and animals. My dream career is to be a dog sitter, and hopefully, I will get there in retirement!
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Med Updates – Generic Victoza & SGLT-2 for Kids
Victoza (liraglutide) – First GLP-1 Available as a Generic
Victoza is now available in generic form at a slightly reduced monthly price of $469.60 for a 2-pack and $704.40 for a three-pack. According to the ADA average wholesale price chart, Victoza typically costs around $1,340 for a month’s supply, which is about a 50% reduction in price.
Victoza (liraglutide injection 1.8 mg) is a once-daily GLP-1 injection approved to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers A1C by about 1%, along with weight loss and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. See our Medication PocketCards for more info.
Generic Victoza, produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals, is the first GLP-1 RA that has gone generic. Victoza’s patent in the US and Europe expired in late 2023, paving the way for companies like Teva to pursue generic versions. Two other generic Victoza options are being developed with a possible December 2024 release date. Once multiple Victoza generics are on the market, the hope is that competition will further reduce prices for people who would benefit from this medication. Patents for newer GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy won’t expire until several years later.
Launching this more cost-effective generic Victoza comes as many people with diabetes struggle to access the more popular GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Liraglutide (Victoza) was also approved for weight loss for those without diabetes who met the BMI criteria in 2014 under the brand name Saxenda.
The first generic GLP-1 is a significant milestone in improving access to diabetes drugs. With the launch of additional Victoza generics in 2025 and beyond, prices should continue to fall even further, helping more people access these crucial medications.
Another SGLT-2 Approved for Pediatrics
This month, the FDA approved another SGLT-2i, dapagliflozin (Farxiga), for children under the age of 18. Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are now both approved for pediatrics starting at the age of 10 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents are increasing globally. In the US, there are nearly 30,000 individuals under the age of 20 living with type 2 diabetes, with 5,300 new cases diagnosed each year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recent research. Children with type 2 diabetes often experience earlier onset of complications than adults and benefit from interdisciplinary care and social support.
Data from the T2NOW Phase III trial, published in The New England Journal of Medicine Evidence, Farxiga, provided clinically meaningful improvements in glycemia for children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes. The safety results in this pediatric population were consistent with those in adults with T2D. Of course, it is essential to provide education on preventing genital infections and any signs of diabetes ketoacidosis. See our Medication PocketCards
Want to Learn More about Meds for Diabetes?
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