How to Identify Diabetes Distress or Burnout – Interview with Coach Beverly
What is Diabetes Distress?
At some point, almost everyone with diabetes will experience a degree of diabetes distress. It’s expected and completely understandable, especially for those on intensive medication and insulin regimens. Having diabetes is not just about checking blood sugars, counting carbs, taking medications, and giving insulin. People also have an emotional relationship with their diabetes. These feelings around their diabetes can fluctuate throughout their lifetime.
Sometimes a person might have a great day, when their blood sugars on mostly on target, they don’t miss any of their medications and insulin, plus they made it to the gym. But the next day or week or month may feel like a complete mess, with blood sugars all over the place. These blood sugar swings are due to a variety of different reasons, many of which may be out of the person’s control.
Regardless of where a person is with their diabetes self-care, the emotions that bubble up, need to be acknowledged and recognized both by the person with diabetes and the health care provider.
When diabetes self-care all starts feeling like it’s too much or like it’s out of control, that’s when we might say a person is experiencing diabetes distress.
You can determine if a person is experiencing diabetes distress by observing self-care behaviors and asking questions. Or you can use a standardized assessment tool to determine how much distress a person is experiencing in four different areas of diabetes self-care. Please see this link to download the Diabetes Distress Scale and other psychosocial screening tools.
The four areas of Diabetes Distress include:
Emotional Distress – Feeling like they are not doing enough; like they are failing and out of control.
Physician-related distress – Provider doesn’t understand diabetes.
Interpersonal Distress – Friends and family don’t really get it, or are critical, or don’t want to hear about diabetes. Can often be co-associated with depression.
Regimen-related distress – all the daily stuff a person has to do to self-manage their diabetes. Regimen-related distress is the most common kind of diabetes distress, especially for those living with type 1 diabetes.
Health Care Professionals can take an active role in identifying Diabetes Distress
We can start by asking this question, “What is most driving you crazy about your diabetes right now?” or “How are you doing with your diabetes?” while listening carefully to their response and evaluating their degree of distress.
We can also look at self-care behaviors to identify distress:
- A person may not be giving bolus insulin before meals when they used to in the past
- They disconnect from their CGM for extended periods of time.
- A surprise elevation in their blood sugars
- Expressing feelings of anger, discouragement, or frustration.
- They may think that they are the only ones going through this, that everyone else with diabetes has it figured out, so what is wrong with them?
Sometimes diabetes distress can lead to burnout or be co-associated with burnout. Sometimes, it may be hard to tell the difference. Don’t worry about figuring out if it’s burnout or distress. What’s most important is to recognize that this person is having trouble coping and to provide active listening and help with problem-solving.
What is diabetes burnout?
Diabetes burnout is an emotional reaction that is usually more intense than diabetes distress. A person in the state of burnout is someone with diabetes who has grown tired of managing their condition, then simply ignores it for a period of time.
Sometimes I refer to burnout as taking a diabetes vacation.
This vacation might be a weekend trip, a week trip, or a long-term sabbatical. Diabetes burnout looks different for everyone. Diabetes burnout is a normal reaction to living with diabetes. I am not saying it is a good thing, or we want people to feel burned out. We want to recognize that managing diabetes is a lot of work and sometimes people just take breaks from diabetes self-management.
As health care providers, we can support people experiencing diabetes distress or burnout. According to Mark Heyman, PhD, CDCES, here is an approach he has found helpful.
- Ask how they are doing and listen for emotions or actions that indicated diabetes distress.
- Help them recognize there are 2 parts to it
- Emotional reaction – Feelings of being distressed or burned out. A person might be thinking, “If I ignore my diabetes for a while, it might go away or the distress might go away.”
- Behavioral reaction – when a person feels distressed or burned out, they might ignore the diabetes as a way to manage that stress.
- Recognize how they are feeling and reassure them that their reaction makes sense.
- Then explore if they could consider separating the emotion from the behavior.
- Yes, you feel burned out but can you still check blood sugars and give yourself insulin?”
- We can help people recognize the feeling of being burned out and encourage them to make adjustments to their self-care response, ie “I am going to manage my diabetes anyway, even though I am completely frustrated and burnt out.”
As health care professionals, we need to check in with people about their distress on a regular basis and provide support.
We need to reassure them that management of diabetes isn’t easy, but they are not alone. There are lots of other people with diabetes experiencing the same feelings.
We might say something like, “Managing diabetes is hard work, but we believe in your ability to make small changes to get to a safer place. You don’t have to move mountains; you just need to take a baby step.“
Let’s remind them, that having diabetes is like getting a job you didn’t ask for. You have to do the work of a body organ, a pancreas. that requires 24 hours a day of attention, without any pay or vacations. Sincerely focus on their successes, no matter how small, and reinforce our belief in their ability to move forward. We got this.
Special thanks for the Team from Quin for hosting this interview. To learn more about Quin, click here.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Enroll in our Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
Annual Update Airs Live on December 21st at 11:30 am PST
This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.
Objectives:
- State strategies to assess and address social determinants of health
- Discuss health care delivery systems using a person-centered approach
- List screening tools that can help detect depression, trauma, and cognitive decline
- Describe psycho-social and emotional barriers to diabetes self-management
- Provide strategies for healthcare professionals to identify and overcome barriers to self-care
Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)
- December 15, 2021 – Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE
- December 21, 2021 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
- February 3, 2022 – ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs
- March 24, 2022 – Meds Management for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- March 29, 2022 – Lower Extremity Assessment 1.5 CEs
- April 26, 2022 – Microvascular Complications, Eye, Kidney Nerve Disease 1.5 CEs
- April 28, 2022 – Critical Assessment of Diabetes Patient 2.0 CEs
- May 10, 2022 – Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 12, 2022 – Older Adults and DIabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 17, 2022 – Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 19, 2022 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 26, 2022 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- July 21, 2022 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 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.
Question of Week | What is the Truth about Hyperglycemic Crisis?
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can experience hyperglycemic crises.
Which of the following is true about Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
- People with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA) are not at risk of DKA.
- DKA is associated with hyperkalemia and elevated pH.
- DKA can be managed with IV or Sub-Q insulin therapy.
- People with type 1 on SGLT-2s have lower risk of DKA than those with type 2.
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Want to learn more about this topic?
Level 2 | Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE
Annual Webinar Airs Live on December 15th at 11:30 am PST
This course discusses common causes of hyperglycemia crises. Topics include hyperglycemia secondary to medications and insulin deprivation. The difference and similarities between Diabetes Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome are also covered. Treatment strategies for all situations are included.
Objectives:
- Common causes of hyperglycemic crises.
- The difference and similarities between DKA and HHS and treatment strategies
- Causes and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below Annual Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)
- December 15, 2021 – Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE
- December 21, 2021 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
- February 3, 2022 – ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs
- March 24, 2022 – Meds Management for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- March 29, 2022 – Lower Extremity Assessment 1.5 CEs
- April 26, 2022 – Microvascular Complications, Eye, Kidney Nerve Disease 1.5 CEs
- April 28, 2022 – Critical Assessment of Diabetes Patient 2.0 CEs
- May 10, 2022 – Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 12, 2022 – Older Adults and DIabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 17, 2022 – Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 19, 2022 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 26, 2022 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- July 21, 2022 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 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.
Don’t Miss Out! Annual Webinar Updates with Coach Beverly
Level 2 | Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE
Annual Webinar Airs Live on December 15th at 11:30 am PST
This course discusses common causes of hyperglycemia crises. Topics include hyperglycemia secondary to medications and insulin deprivation. The difference and similarities between Diabetes Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome are also covered. Treatment strategies for all situations are included.
Objectives:
- Common causes of hyperglycemic crises.
- The difference and similarities between DKA and HHS and treatment strategies
- Causes and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
Annual Webinar Airs Live on December 21st at 11:30 am PST
This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.
Objectives:
- State strategies to assess and address social determinants of health
- Discuss health care delivery systems using a person-centered approach
- List screening tools that can help detect depression, trauma, and cognitive decline
- Describe psycho-social and emotional barriers to diabetes self-management
- Provide strategies for healthcare professionals to identify and overcome barriers to self-care
Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below Annual Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)
- December 15, 2021 – Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE
- December 21, 2021 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
- February 3, 2022 – ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs
- March 24, 2022 – Meds Management for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- March 29, 2022 – Lower Extremity Assessment 1.5 CEs
- April 26, 2022 – Microvascular Complications, Eye, Kidney Nerve Disease 1.5 CEs
- April 28, 2022 – Critical Assessment of Diabetes Patient 2.0 CEs
- May 10, 2022 – Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 12, 2022 – Older Adults and DIabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 17, 2022 – Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 19, 2022 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 26, 2022 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- July 21, 2022 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 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.
CDCES or BC-ADM – Which Certification is Right for me? Free Webinar | Dec 9th
Are you considering pursuing certification in diabetes care, but are not sure which certification is right for you and how to get started?
Coach Beverly is excited to share her insights on determining the best certification choice and the pathway to success. She will share her personal journey on achieving both her CDCES and BC-ADM over 20 years ago and how these credentials have impacted her opportunities as a diabetes specialist and president of her own company. We hope you can join us!
Webinar Topics
- Discuss the similarities and differences between the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials
- CDCES or certified diabetes care and education specialist
- BC-ADM or board certification in advanced diabetes management
- List the academic and experiential qualifications to take both exams
- Explore which certification best match your personal and professional goals
- Describe the steps to study and prepare for exam success for both certifications
Interested in diabetes certification, but not sure where to start? Find your Study Path and Tools that are right for you based on this quick survey.
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!
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
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 | 1923 Noble Recipients for Discovery of Insulin?
Our November 23rd Question of the week quizzed test takers on the Nobel Prize insulin. 34% of respondents, chose the best answer. We are excited to share this info about the discovery of insulin with you.
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question
Question:
In 1923, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the discovery of insulin.
Which group of scientists were the recipients of the award?
Answer Choices:
- Dr. Banting and Dr. Best
- Dr. Collip, Dr. Banting and Dr. Best
- Dr. Banting, Dr. Collip, Dr. Macleod, Dr. Best
- Dr. Banting and Dr. Macleod
As shown above, the most common choice was option 3, the second most common answer was option 2, then option 4, and finally option 1.
Discovery of Insulin Nobel Prize 1923
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1923 was awarded jointly to Frederick Grant Banting and John James Rickard Macleod “for the discovery of insulin.”
According to the summary at the Nobel Prize Website – Previous doctors realized that diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin, which is formed in parts of the pancreas but could not prove it. Frederick Banting suspected that another substance formed in the pancreas, trypsin, broke down the insulin.
In John MacLeod’s laboratory in 1921, Frederick Banting and Charles Best treated dogs so that they no longer produced trypsin. Insulin could then be extracted and used to treat diabetes. A short while later, Dr. Collip made a breakthrough in purifying the extract, using alcohol in slightly over 90 percent concentration to precipitate out the active ingredient (insulin).
Although Dr. Banting, Dr. Collip, Dr. Macleod, and Dr. Best were all involved in the discovery of insulin, only Dr. Banting and the lab director, Dr. Macleod received the official Nobel prize for Medicine.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is incorrect. 26.73% chose this answer, “Dr. Banting and Dr. Best.” Credited for their experiments on dogs at the University of Toronto in 1921 that eventually led to the discovery of insulin.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 19.82% of you chose this answer, “Dr. Collip, Dr. Banting, and Dr. Best”. Although Dr. Collip made a breakthrough in purifying the extract, using alcohol in slightly over 90 percent concentration to precipitate out the active ingredient (insulin), he, along with Best, was not recognized with a Nobel Prize.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 19.45% of respondents chose this answer, “Dr. Banting, Dr. Collip, Dr. Macleod, Dr. Best” All four of these physicians played a major part in the discovery and availability of insulin, but only Dr. Banting and Dr. Maccleod were awarded the Nobel prize.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 34% chose this answer, “Dr. Banting and Dr. Macleod” YES, GREAT JOB.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1923 was awarded jointly to Frederick Grant Banting and John James Rickard Macleod “for the discovery of insulin.” According to the summary at the Nobel Prize Website – In John MacLeod’s laboratory in 1921, Frederick Banting and Charles Best treated dogs so that they no longer produced trypsin. Insulin could then be extracted and used to treat diabetes.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Want more practice questions? Enroll in our
Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit Webinar
20 Sample Practice Questions
You are invited to join Coach Beverly for this FREE Webinar. And, if you want to have access to an additional 220+ sample practice online questions, you can purchase the complete Test Taking Toolkit.
For many of us, taking the certification exam is a nerve-wracking process.
During this webinar, Coach Beverly will help you transform your nervousness into focused energy that will help you succeed. She will provide test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times.
2 Ways to Join Test Taking Webinar
Watch Webinar for FREE
This includes a review of 20 sample test questions with test-taking strategies. This does not include access to the recorded webinar or the practice questions.
Purchase for $49
This includes access to the recorded version of this webinar on your Online University Student Portal.
Plus, the Test Taking Toolkit provides you with over 220 sample online practice questions, simulating the exam experience. A perfect way to assess your knowledge and create a focused study plan, while increasing your test-taking confidence.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live.
Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version.
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!
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
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 | Who is struggling with Diabetes Distress?
About 30% of people living with type 1 diabetes experience diabetes distress.
Which of the following statements reflects someone struggling with diabetes distress?
- I just can’t keep up with all this diabetes self-care stuff.
- I am having trouble with carbohydrate counting.
- I just don’t want to get out of bed in the morning.
- I don’t want to wear a diabetes bracelet or necklace.
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
Want to learn more about this topic?
Enroll in our Level 2 | Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
Annual Update Recorded on December 21st
This presentation will include the latest information on Social Determinants of health, assessment strategies, and approaches. We will explore the psychosocial issues that can discourage individuals from adopting healthier behaviors and provides strategies to identify and overcome these barriers. Life studies are used to apply theory to real-life situations. A great course for anyone in the field of diabetes education or for those looking for a new perspective on assessment and coping strategies.
Objectives:
- State strategies to assess and address social determinants of health
- Discuss health care delivery systems using a person-centered approach
- List screening tools that can help detect depression, trauma, and cognitive decline
- Describe psycho-social and emotional barriers to diabetes self-management
- Provide strategies for healthcare professionals to identify and overcome barriers to self-care
Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes education looking for a straightforward explanation of identification and treatment of hyperglycemic crises.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
Enroll in our entire Level 2 – Standards of Care to join us for the below 2022 Live Webinar Updates. All courses air at 11:30 a.m. (PST)
- December 15, 2021 – Hyperglycemic Crises, DKA & HHS Standards | 1.0 CE
- December 21, 2021 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach Standards | 1.5 CEs
- February 3, 2022 – ADA Standards of Care | 2.0 CEs
- March 24, 2022 – Meds Management for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- March 29, 2022 – Lower Extremity Assessment 1.5 CEs
- April 26, 2022 – Microvascular Complications, Eye, Kidney Nerve Disease 1.5 CEs
- April 28, 2022 – Critical Assessment of Diabetes Patient 2.0 CEs
- May 10, 2022 – Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 12, 2022 – Older Adults and DIabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 17, 2022 – Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- May 19, 2022 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- May 26, 2022 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- July 21, 2022 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 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.
Question of Week | 1923 Noble Recipients for Discovery of Insulin?
To celebrate National Diabetes Month, our Questions of the Week will challenge test takers on their historical knowledge of the discovery of insulin. Thanks for joining us on this fun adventure.
In 1923, the Nobel Prize for in Medicine was awarded for the discovery of insulin.
Which group of scientists were the recipients for the award?
- Dr. Banting and Dr. Best
- Dr. Collip, Dr. Banting and Dr. Best
- Dr. Banting, Dr. Collip, Dr. Macleod, Dr. Best
- Dr. Banting and Dr. Macleod
Click Here to Test your Knowledge
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 | Cost of the Insulin Patent?
This month, we are quizzing test takers on the history of diabetes. Our November 16th Question of the week quizzed test takers on the cost of the insulin patent. 74% of respondents, chose the best answer. We are excited to share this info with you in celebration of National Diabetes Month.
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question
Question:
On January 23rd, 1923, Dr.’s Banting, Best, and Collip were awarded the patent for insulin.
How much did Banting, Best, and Collip each charge the University of Toronto for their share of the insulin patent?
Answer Choices:
- They sold the patent for insulin for one million dollars to be divided by the 3 patent owners.
- They retained the patent for insulin to ensure exclusive rights.
- They sold the patent for insulin for $1 each.
- They sold the patent for insulin to pharmaceutical companies for an undisclosed amount.
As shown above, the most common choice was option 3, the second most common answer was option 2, then option 4, and finally option 1.
Price of the Insulin Patent
On January 23rd, 1923 Banting, Best, and Collip were awarded the American patents for insulin. They sold the patent to the University of Toronto for $1 each. Banting notably said: “Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world.” His desire was for everyone who needed access to it to have it.
In order for the insulin to be mass-produced and widely available, the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. were given the right to do so. Currently, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Novo Nordisk are the major insulin producers. Insulin is no longer extracted from beef and pork pancreases. Now companies use E. coli and yeast to produce insulin through recombinant DNA therapy.
With insulin patents expiring, we are now seeing the approval of biosimilar insulins that come with lower price tags. This lower-cost insulin keeps Dr. Banting’s dream alive, which is to make insulin a gift that belongs to the world.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 8.22% chose this answer, “They sold the patent for insulin for one million dollars to be divided by the 3 patent owners.”
Answer 2 is incorrect. 9.59% of you chose this answer, “They retained the patent for insulin to ensure exclusive rights.”
Answer 3 is correct. 73.52% of respondents chose this answer, “They sold the patent for insulin for $1 each.” YES, GREAT JOB. This is the BEST ANSWER!
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.68% chose this answer, “They sold the patent for insulin to pharmaceutical companies for an undisclosed amount.”
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Want more practice questions? Enroll in our
Test Taking Practice Exam Toolkit Webinar
20 Sample Practice Questions
Join us live June 30, 2022, for live webinar 2022 updates
You are invited to join Coach Beverly for this FREE Webinar. And, if you want to have access to an additional 220+ sample practice online questions, you can purchase the complete Test Taking Toolkit.
For many of us, taking the certification exam is a nerve-wracking process.
During this webinar, Coach Beverly will help you transform your nervousness into focused energy that will help you succeed. She will provide test-taking tips based on her experience taking the certification exam six times.
2 Ways to Join Test Taking Webinar
Watch Webinar for FREE
This includes a review of 20 sample test questions with test-taking strategies. This does not include access to the recorded webinar or the practice questions.
Purchase for $49
This includes access to the recorded version of this webinar on your Online University Student Portal.
Plus, the Test Taking Toolkit provides you with over 220 sample online practice questions, simulating the exam experience. A perfect way to assess your knowledge and create a focused study plan, while increasing your test-taking confidence.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live.
Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version.
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!
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
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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