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Question of the Week | Why is post exercise glucose spiking?
JR is 42 years old with type 2 diabetes and has worked up to brisk walking for 30 minutes on most days. JR has an A1C of 6.7% and takes an SGLT-2, metformin, and lovastatin along with trying to eat healthfully. JR decided to check blood sugars an hour after exercise and was surprised to see post-exercise blood glucose in the 180’s on two different days. JR asks you why their blood glucose actually rises after exercise.
What is the diabetes specialist’s best response?
- This is most likely due to a low blood sugar from your medications followed by rebound hyperglycemia.
- Blood sugars normally drop after exercise. When is the last time you performed quality control on your meter?
- I understand what you are saying. It sounds like this blood sugar elevation is causing you some anxiety.
- Exercising causes the release of hormones that can temporarily cause your blood sugar to rise.
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Want to learn more about this question? It’s not too late to join our
Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals 2023 Series | 9+ CEs
Can’t join all the sessions live? No problem. Your registration guarantees you access to the recorded lectures for a full year.
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
2023 Webinar Updates
- January 10, 2023 – Class 1 – Getting to the Nitty Gritty 1.5 CEs
- January 12, 2023 – Class 2 – Nutrition and Exercise 1.5 CEs
- January 17, 2023 – Class 3 – Meds Overview for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- January 19, 2023 – Class 4 – Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
- January 24, 2023 – Class 5 – Goals of Care – 1.5 CEs
- January 26, 2023 – Class 6 – Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Monitoring, Foot Care 1.5 CEs
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.
Diabetes Fundamentals 2023 Series | Begins tomorrow – It’s not too late to register!
Our Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals 2023 Series starts tomorrow!
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
2023 Webinar Series Dates
- January 10, 2023 – Class 1 – Getting to the Nitty Gritty 1.5 CEs
- January 12, 2023 – Class 2 – Nutrition and Exercise 1.5 CEs
- January 17, 2023 – Class 3 – Meds Overview for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- January 19, 2023 – Class 4 – Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
- January 24, 2023 – Class 5 – Goals of Care – 1.5 CEs
- January 26, 2023 – Class 6 – Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Monitoring, Foot Care 1.5 CEs
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.
January 2023 eNews | 3 Important Diabetes Standards Updates
Happy 2023
Every year, Coach Beverly excitedly waits for the release of the new ADA Standards of Care. She loves scanning through the pages of content to discover updates and advances that lead to improved diabetes care. She then translates this new information into her presentations, updates her Cheat Sheets, and refreshes web content to reflect the latest guidelines.
Coach Beverly has discovered three real gems that she is excited to share with all of you.
In this first newsletter of 2023, we feature the new blood pressure and lipid guidelines based on ADA Standard 10. Plus, we explore changes to the Medication Algorithm for Type 2 Diabetes as featured in Standard 9, with a discussion on starting insulin versus an incretin mimetic.
We have updated our images for Question and Rationale of the Week and we invite you to test your knowledge below and review the rationale for the best answer.
Our Cheat Sheets are updated to reflect the 2023 Standards, so you can download these helpful references and study tools. The ever-popular Medications and Glucagon 2023 PocketCards are back from the printer and ready for purchase.
January marks the month we kick off our Level 1 Series. In February, we present our annual ADA Standards of Care update webinar and Level 3 Boot Camp Course Series.
For our 25-year celebration, we have several special events planned that we will be rolling out in the Spring. Stay tuned for an exciting 2023.
With gratitude for our amazing community,
Coach Beverly and Bryanna
Featured Articles
- New Blood Pressure Target & Interventions
- New Lipid Goals
- Insulin or Incretin Mimetics?
- Updated FREE Cheat Sheets
- Question of the Week
- Rationale of the Week
Upcoming Webinars
- Level 1 Series
- ADA Standards Update
- Level 3 Boot Camp Series
- Upcoming Events – See complete calendar listing
Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our upcoming
Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals 2023 Updates | 9+ CEs
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
2023 Webinar Updates
- January 10, 2023 – Class 1 – Getting to the Nitty Gritty 1.5 CEs
- January 12, 2023 – Class 2 – Nutrition and Exercise 1.5 CEs
- January 17, 2023 – Class 3 – Meds Overview for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- January 19, 2023 – Class 4 – Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
- January 24, 2023 – Class 5 – Goals of Care – 1.5 CEs
- January 26, 2023 – Class 6 – Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Monitoring, Foot Care 1.5 CEs
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.
Rationale of the Week | How long are these insulin pens good for?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on insulin storage guidelines. 55% 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 a bunch of insulin pens at home and is wondering if they are still good to use. Most of the unopened insulin pens are stored in the fridge, but JR has 2 degludec (Tresiba) pens that they left out of the refrigerator by accident. They ask you if they are still good. What is the most accurate response for the shelf life of degludec (Tresiba) pens stored at room temperature of up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit?
Answer Choices:
- In general, insulin pens expire after 10-14 days at room temperature.
- Insulin kept for more than 28 days at room temperature needs to be discarded.
- JR can put the degludec (Tresiba) back in the refrigerator and use it until the expiration date.
- Degludec (Tresiba) can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 56 days.
Getting to the Best Answer
- In general, insulin pens expire after 10-14 days at room temperature. (incorrect) 11% of respondents chose this juicy answer. However, degludec has one of the longest shelf lives at room temperature due to its pharmacokinetics. NPH and premixed insulin like 70/30 insulins have a shorter shelf life of 10-14 days. You can refer to our Insulin Storage Guidelines or package inserts for more information.
- Insulin kept for more than 28 days at room temperature needs to be discarded. (incorrect) About 25% of respondents chose this answer. Most bolus insulins have a shelf life of about 28 days whether they are stored in an insulin pen or vial. But many basal and concentrated insulins have a longer shelf life. NPH and premixed insulin like 70/30 insulins have a shorter shelf life of 10-14 days. Given the cost of insulin, this is important information to share with people living with diabetes, so they are aware of accurate insulin storage guidelines. You can refer to our Insulin Storage Guidelines or package inserts for more information.
- JR can put the degludec (Tresiba) back in the refrigerator and use it until the expiration date. (incorrect) 9% of respondents chose this answer, however, it is not an accurate answer. Once insulin is left out at room temperature, the clock starts ticking and with time, the potency of the insulin diminishes. For insulin degludec, the shelf life is 56 days outside of the refrigerator. If JR isn’t sure how long the insulin has been sitting out, they can look at the box Rx label or contact their pharmacy and find out what day the insulin was dispensed. You can refer to our Insulin Storage Guidelines or package inserts for more information.
- Degludec (Tresiba) can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 56 days. (correct). YES, this is the BEST answer and 55% of you chose this answer. Degludec along with Toujeo (Lantus U-300) can both be stored at room temperature for up to 56 days. You can refer to our Insulin Storage Guidelines or package inserts for more information.
Practical Clinical Pointers: Of course, these are general storage guidelines and if people using insulin notice blood sugars climbing despite adequate insulin dosing, it can be a sign the insulin has lost its potency. Sometimes, people on a budget might decide to keep using insulin past the expiration date. In either case, we can advise individuals to switch to a new insulin vial or pen right away if they notice blood sugars unexplainably trending up.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
Please refer to our Insulin Storage Guidelines or package inserts for more information. We also invite you to join our Online Courses for more information (see info below)
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February.
See below for info.
Want to learn more about this question? Join us for our
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care CE Course | 2.0 CEs
Update airs live Feb. 2, 2023, at 11:30 am PST
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
Objectives:
- List significant changes and updates to the 2023 ADA Standards of Medical Care.
- State 3 updates on new blood pressure and lipid goals.
- Identify 5 key elements of the position statement.
- Discuss how to apply the Standards in the clinical setting and in preparation for exam success.
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.
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
Studying for the CDCES Exam? Enroll in our
CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 47 CEs
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
Included in this bundle
- Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
- Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care,
- Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
- Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
- Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times.
- ADCES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition – Revised – The ADCES Review Guide is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam. This book includes 480 + multiple-choice questions and strategies for preparing for and taking the exam with an answer key with rationales for all questions!
- Medication PocketCard – Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation.
- Tote Bag
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.
New Blood Pressure Target and Intervention
If you are taking the CDCES or BC-ADM exam in 2023, these new blood pressure target recommendations and treatment interventions are important to know.
For all of us who serve people with diabetes, research suggests that these more intensive blood pressure targets will save lives and decrease CV and microvascular disease. By sharing this information with our colleagues and teams, we can be a part of improving outcomes and quality of life.
The following content summarizes the 2023 updated ADA guidelines as outlined in Standard 10 – Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management.
New Hypertension Definition and Target of 130/80
- A person with diabetes who has a confirmed blood pressure reading of 130/80 or greater (with either a systolic reading greater than 130 or diastolic reading greater than 80) qualifies for antihypertensive drug therapy.
- The on-treatment target blood pressure goal is less than 130/80 if it can be safely attained.
- It is important to individualize blood pressure targets through shared decision-making process. Consider cardiovascular risk, potential adverse effects of antihypertensive medications, and individual preferences.
- All people with diabetes and hypertension need to have a home blood pressure monitor for ongoing evaluation of treatment response.
Lowering Blood Pressure Saves Lives and Reduces CV Risk.
Randomized clinical trials have unequivocally demonstrated that getting blood pressure to target saves lives and reduces risk of cardiovascular and microvascular complications.
The recommendation to support a blood pressure goal of <130/80 in people with diabetes is consistent with guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (20), the International Society of Hypertension (21), and the European Society of Cardiology (22).
Action Steps to Treat Hypertension
- Lifestyle interventions for people with blood pressure >120/80 include weight loss when indicated, a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style eating pattern including reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake, moderation of alcohol intake, and increased physical activity.
- Pharmacologic therapy is initiated for individuals with confirmed office-based blood pressure of 130/80 or greater to achieve the recommended blood pressure target of <130/80.
- Treat hypertension with drug classes demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular events in people with diabetes. ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are recommended first-line therapy for hypertension in people with diabetes and coronary artery disease and/or for those with a urinary-albumin-creatinine ratio of 30 mg/g or greater. (Do not combine ACE Inhibitors and ARBS)
- Monitor potassium levels and GFR for individuals treated with an ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, or diuretic.
Hypertension Medication Cheat Sheets
Keeping track of medications for hypertension and cholesterol can seem daunting. We have put together a Hypertension and Lipid Medication Cheat Sheet along with summary information for each class that is important to know for certification exams and is very useful in clinical practice.
Hypertension and Lipid Medication Cheat Sheet
Blood Pressure Matters
Together, we can improve the quality of life and outcomes for people living with diabetes. Getting blood pressure to target is one of the most important interventions we can take to maintain health. Thank you for reading this article and advocating for the best evidence-based care.
Want to learn more about this question? Join us for our
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care CE Course | 2.0 CEs
Updates air live between Feb. 2, 2023, at 11:30 am PST
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
Objectives:
- List significant changes and updates to the 2023 ADA Standards of Medical Care.
- State 3 updates on new blood pressure and lipid goals.
- Identify 5 key elements of the position statement.
- Discuss how to apply the Standards in the clinical setting and in preparation for exam success.
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.
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
Studying for the CDCES Exam? Enroll in our
CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 47 CEs
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
Included in this bundle
- Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
- Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care,
- Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
- Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
- Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times.
- ADCES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition – Revised – The ADCES Review Guide is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam. This book includes 480 + multiple-choice questions and strategies for preparing for and taking the exam with an answer key with rationales for all questions!
- Medication PocketCard – Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation.
- Tote Bag
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.
Question of the Week | Who has most diabetes risk based on 2023 Standards?
Welcome to our first 2023 Question of the Week. We decided to freshen up some of our images and are excited to share our new purple light bulb graphic for Question of the Week. Thanks for joining us and Happy New Year.
The clinic where JR works as a Diabetes Specialist wants to set up a screening program to identify people with undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes based on risk status. According to the 2023 ADA Standards of Care, which of the following indicates that an individual is at increased risk of having prediabetes and diabetes and needs further testing?
- A 29-year-old newly started on antiretroviral therapy.
- A 24-year-old who leads a sedentary lifestyle and father has history of heart disease.
- A 14-year-old whose cousin with type 1 diabetes.
- A 26-year-old who just delivered a baby three weeks early.
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our upcoming
Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals 2023 Updates | 9+ CEs
This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.
Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.
2023 Webinar Updates
- January 10, 2023 – Class 1 – Getting to the Nitty Gritty 1.5 CEs
- January 12, 2023 – Class 2 – Nutrition and Exercise 1.5 CEs
- January 17, 2023 – Class 3 – Meds Overview for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- January 19, 2023 – Class 4 – Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
- January 24, 2023 – Class 5 – Goals of Care – 1.5 CEs
- January 26, 2023 – Class 6 – Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Monitoring, Foot Care 1.5 CEs
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Want an overview of the new 2023 ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes?
Join us live on February 2, 2023, at 11:30 am PST for our
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care 2023 Update | 2.0 CEs
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care 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.
Question of the Week | New 2024 ADA Standard of Care?
The new ADA 2024 Standards of Care include dozens of updates to diabetes clinical practice.
Which of the following statements has actually been added to the ADA 2024 Standards of Care?
- Evaluate B12 levels for Individuals on long-term metformin therapy at least yearly.
- Screen people with diabetes, caregivers, and family for diabetes distress at least annually.
- Provide COVID 19 immunizations annually to people with diabetes starting at age 18.
- Test for type 1 autoimmunity annually starting at age 5 for those with family history of autoimmune conditions.
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Want to learn more about this question?
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care CE Course
Airs live on February 1, 2024, at 11:30 am PT
Topics:
- A review of changes & updates to the annual ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes.
- Identification of key elements of the position statement.
- Discussion of how diabetes educators can apply this information in their clinical setting
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions.
Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast
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.
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.
Rationale of the Week | For New ADA 2023 Standards, how is Hypertension defined?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed the new ADA 2023 standards on hypertension. 48% 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:
The new 2023 ADA Standards of Care are out, and they include several important clinical updates that are critical for our practice and certification exams.
What best represents the updated definition of hypertension in the 2023 Standards?
Answer Choices:
- Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.
- Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 and a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.
- Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90.
- Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 48.07% chose this BEST answer – GREAT JOB. According to Standard 10, Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management, hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80. This is in agreement with the definition of hypertension by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. People with diabetes and hypertension qualify for antihypertensive drug therapy when the blood pressure is persistently elevated and is greater than or equal to 130/80. The on-treatment target blood pressure goal is less than 130/80, if it can be safely attained.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 21.74% of you chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 and a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.” This is so close to being the being the best answer, but it is not accurate. If either the diastolic or systolic pressure meet the cut-off, the person is considered to have a blood pressure reading that is above target.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 16.89% of respondents chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90.” This was the definition of hypertension in the 2022 and older standards. The 2023 definition of hypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 13.29% chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.” This is a blending of hypertension definition from the 2022 and 2023 standards. The 2023 definition of hypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80.
Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.
You can view the 2023 Standards on our CDCES Coach App or you can pre-order your own ADA 2023 Standards here.
Hope you can join our ADA Standards of Care Webinar Update in February.
See below for info.
Want to learn more about this question? Join us for our
Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care CE Course | 2.0 CEs
Updates air live between Feb. 2, 2023, at 11:30 am PST
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the 2023 updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.
Objectives:
- List significant changes and updates to the 2023 ADA Standards of Medical Care.
- State 3 updates on new blood pressure and lipid goals.
- Identify 5 key elements of the position statement.
- Discuss how to apply the Standards in the clinical setting and in preparation for exam success.
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.
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
Studying for the CDCES Exam? Enroll in our
CDCES Deluxe Prep Bundle | 30+ Online Courses + Bonus Items | 47 CEs
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
Included in this bundle
- Level 1 focuses on the fundamentals and introduces each topic area for the exam.
- Level 2 deep dives into the ADA Standards of Care,
- Level 3 AKA Boot Camp is a more accelerated level that focuses on test simulation for finding the best answer to get you to the finish line of your study path.
- Technology Toolkit which gives information on pumps, sensors, and calculations,
- Test Taking Toolkit includes over 220 practice questions for test simulation plus a webinar where Coach Beverly provides test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times.
- ADCES Review Guide for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam – 5th Edition – Revised – The ADCES Review Guide is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam. This book includes 480 + multiple-choice questions and strategies for preparing for and taking the exam with an answer key with rationales for all questions!
- Medication PocketCard – Our four-sided medication accordion Pocketcards were designed by Coach Beverly Thomassian to assist in clinical practice and exam preparation.
- Tote Bag
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.
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