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Question of the Week:
RZ is 47 years old with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. RZ takes metformin 1000 mg BID, plus lisinopril 20mg daily. RZs LDL is 140 mg/dL. Based on the most recent ADA Standards, what is the LDL Cholesterol target for RZ?
What is the BEST response?
A. LDL less than 100 mg/dL.
B. LDL less than 55 mg/dL
C. Determine LDL target based on ASCVD risk
D. LDL less than 70 mg/dL
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on the next steps after 12% weight loss. Over 85% 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 by clicking here.
Question of the Week:
KC is a 62-year-old individual with type 2 diabetes who presents for follow-up after initiating a weight loss program 3 months ago. They report consuming approximately 1,000–1,100 kcal/day and have lost 12% of their body weight, with a current rate of weight loss averaging 5% in the last month.
Their diet excludes most grains and fruits, and they report occasional fatigue and constipation. Current medications include metformin, tirzepatide, and atorvastatin.
Based on current standards of care, what is the most appropriate response regarding nutrition and weight changes?
Answer 1 is incorrect. 1.82% chose this answer, “Continue the current plan, KC is achieving intentional weight loss while enrolled in a weight loss program.” Although KC is achieving clinically significant weight loss, they have multiple risk factors for nutrition deficiencies, including intake <1,200 kcal/day, rapid weight loss (>4% per month), age >50, and restriction of nutrient-dense food groups.1 These risk factors warrant further evaluation before continuation without modification.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 3.03% of you chose this answer, “Titrate GLP-1 receptor agonist to optimize weight loss outcomes.” While GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective for weight management, further intensification may not be appropriate in the setting of already rapid weight loss and inadequate intake. Additional assessment and individualization of outcome goals is recommended before intensification is initiated.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 9.7% chose this answer, “KC has achieved weight loss of more than 10%, consider ceasing weight loss efforts to prevent nutrition deficiencies.” While monitoring weight change is necessary, automatically discontinuing weight loss efforts may not be recommended. Instead, care should focus on optimizing nutritional adequacy, potentially incorporating supplementation, and adjusting the treatment plan to support safe, sustainable weight-loss goals while minimizing nutrition and medical risk.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 85.5% of respondents chose this: “Initiate screening for micronutrient deficiencies and assess protein and fiber intake” GREAT JOB! KC meets several high-risk criteria for nutrient deficiencies, including low caloric intake (<1200 calories per day), rapid weight loss (>4% per month), older age, and limited dietary variety. The current standards of care recommend screening for micronutrient deficiencies within these high risk groups. Screening is guided by clinical judgement but nutrients of concern include iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, B1, B12, Vitamin C, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.1 It is also recommended to ensure adequate protein intake to preserve lean mass and ensure adequate fiber and fluid intake to address constipation in individuals consuming very low-calorie intake.
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!
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Author: Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
CEO & President, DiabetesEd Services
You might have already started receiving questions from patients and your colleagues about the new Medicare Bridge Benefits for the GLP-1 weight loss medications. This article provides a brief overview of eligibility, covered medications and inclusion criteria. We also provide a summary for prescribers steps to successfully send a prescription to your local pharmacy. Information on help lines and other resources are also included.
On July 1, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officially launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program that runs through December 31, 2027.
The Medicare Bridge is a nationwide demonstration program that provides eligible beneficiaries with access to select GLP-1 medications for a predictable copay of $50 per month. By capping the monthly copay for select GLP-1 drugs, this program addresses a critical affordability gap for eligible beneficiaries. For your healthcare teams, this initiative may initiate a practice-management shift and require prescribing adjustments, including additional paperwork.
The program does not offer blanket coverage for all anti-obesity medications. CMS has restricted the Bridge program to three specific, high-profile GLP/GIP therapies prescribed strictly for chronic weight management:
Note: The single-dose Zepbound® pen and Zepbound® vials are NOT covered
You can also find additional detailed information in the Medicare Prescriber Fact Sheet, which includes an overview of the process and key details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program.
In order to quality, clinicians must consider the following administrative criteria:
Exceptions to Bridge Eligibility
The individual must continue to obtain their GLP-1 directly through standard Part D coverage if they have a primary diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, or noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The Bridge program is explicitly reserved for beneficiaries seeking the drug solely for weight reduction or weight maintenance.
The second tier covers those with a baseline BMI between 30 and 34.9. To successfully qualify in this tier, the provider must document at least one of three specific secondary health complications in the medical record:
The final clinical tier opens the program to those with lower BMIs, targeting individuals with a baseline BMI between 27 and 29.9. Because the weight elevation is less severe, CMS requires documentation of highly specific cardiovascular or metabolic warning signs. To qualify, an individual must possess a confirmed history of at least one of the following conditions:
If your patient meets the criteria of any of these tiers, you can move on to prescribing one of the 3 approved medications.
First Step:
If you think that the patient is eligible for coverage under Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, before sending order to pharmacy – read these important instructions.
Second Step:
Once the administrative baseline is verified, the provider will be required to submit a specialized CMS Prior Authorization (PA) Form detailing the patient’s exact metric history.
You must wait (up to 72 hours) to get the request from the pharmacy electronically or by fax for your patients to be covered under Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
Please see the Prescriber Fact Sheet for much more detailed information.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge will operate outside of the Medicare Part D benefit’s coverage and payment flow. As a result, Part D sponsors will not carry risk for eligible GLP-1 drugs furnished under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, and Part D sponsors do not have to opt in to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for eligible beneficiaries to access these drugs beginning July 1, 2026.
In 2026, CMS will use a single central processor to manage prior authorization, claims adjudication, and payment to pharmacies for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge.
Because it completely bypasses standard plan frameworks, the $50 monthly copay does not count toward a patient’s annual Part D deductible or the maximum out-of-pocket spending cap. Additionally, cost-sharing assistance like the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program cannot be applied to this $50 flat fee.
The call center is available at 855-273-0102 Monday through Friday from 8am – 7pm ET. Representatives are available to assist prescribers with questions about the prior authorization process or the status of a prior authorization request.
Prescribers can also find additional information in the Prescriber Fact Sheet, which includes an overview of the process and key details about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge for prescribers.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Information Page: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge/information-providers
Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
CEO & President, DiabetesEd Services
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
Question of the Week:
A 62-year-old person with type 2 diabetes has an A1C of 9.1% despite metformin, SGLT-2i and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. You are considering once-weekly insulin icodec when it becomes available. Which of the following is the most appropriate rationale for selecting insulin icodec (Awiqli) therapy?
What is the BEST response?
A. Eliminates the risk of hypoglycemia compared to daily basal insulin.
B. Provides superior A1C reduction compared to all daily basal insulins.
C. Does not require dose titration due to its long duration of action.
D. Reduces injection frequency while improving time-in-range.
Walk away with tools you can apply immediately in clinical practice or while preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM exams. From insulin dosing protocols to behavior change strategies that work in the real world—this content bridges theory and practice.
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
There is a lot of exciting news contained in this month’s newsletter. The world of diabetes pharmacology is advancing at a breakneck pace, and we are here to keep you abreast of advances that will impact your clinical practice and your care for people with diabetes.
The first article describes the pharmacology and dosing considerations for icodec (Awiqli), an ultra-long-acting insulin scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2026. As we wait for its release, you can consider people with type 2 diabetes in your care who might benefit from this once-weekly basal insulin.
There has been significant movement in the GLP-1/GIP med class, from high-dose Wegovy to Mounjaro’s pediatric approval, highlighted in our next article. You are going to love our updated PocketCards, which neatly consolidate this shifting landscape at a glance for easy reference. Continued below…
In a thoughtful comparison of the ADA and the American College of Cardiology dyslipidemia treatment guidelines, Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES, concludes that both recognize the critical impact of dietitians and MNT in addressing elevated lipid levels.
Sarah Beattie, DNP, CDCES, highlights the importance of eye exams and encourages the use of remote retinal screening for those without access to an eye care professional in their area.
Test your knowledge with a quiz that investigates potential candidates for once-weekly insulin and check out our rationale of the week too.
Lastly, we hope to see you at our Virtual Conference. Diana Issaacs, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, will dive into the newly approved diabetes meds and insulins, helping you sort out how to best use these tools in clinical practice.
In celebration of Spring,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, and Katarina
🌟Updated Schedule: ADA Boot Camp, Tech, MNT & More
Live in Beautiful San Diego – Oct 22-23, 2026
Re-Ignite your Passion & Prepare for Diabetes Certification Exams
🎓 Earn 30+ CEs: AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
📅
2-Day Conference
Oct 22–23, 2026
⏱️
15.5 Live CEs
+ 17 bonus CEs
🏅
CDCES & BC-ADM
Exam Prep + Renewal
📍
San Diego, CA
1.7 mi from airport
The field of diabetes care is expanding and evolving rapidly. This unique training conference will keep you on the cutting edge plus prepare you for certification exams. It also fulfills the Standards of Care renewal requirement. Join us for two days of intensive education that is fun and inspiring. Add on the optional Day 3 (Engaging the Disengaged), to complete your conference exeperience.
Coach Beverly and Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BC-ADM, CDCES co-lead an exciting day that brings the ADA and AACE Standards to life. Gain fresh insights, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of the latest in person-centered diabetes care. After attending, you will be empowered to share the latest in diabetes care with your colleagues and the people in your care.
Take your knowledge to the next level with this intensive deep-dive into insulin therapy, dosing and pattern management with Dr. Diana Isaacs. Next, stay for the diabetes tech show-and-tell as Diana demonstrates the specs of the latest pumps and sensors. After lunch, nutrition whiz Christine Craig, MS, RDN, CDCES expertly details the latest in MNT and provides real strategies on translating this content to your clinical practice. You will have a chance to put it all together as Coach Beverly leads you through a series of case studies that integrates content from Day 1 and Day 2.
On Saturday, join this exceptional day-long program led by William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES & Susan Guzman, PhD (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) that reveals psychosocial forces behind diabetes self-management — tools to break through resistance and inspire change.
Read more below
📜 Essentials
Registration
+ Printed Syllabus
$559.00
🌟 Deluxe
Essentials
+ ADA Standards Book
$589.00
🏆 Complete – Best Value!
Deluxe
+ ADCES Review Guide e-Book
$669.00
Transform how you engage patients with diabetes — master behavior change, reduce distress, and overcome medication hesitancy.
Why do so many patients know what they should do — but still struggle to do it?
The answer lies in the psychology of diabetes.
In this transformative full-day course, world-renowned experts William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDCES, and Susan Guzman, PhD, from the Behavioral Diabetes Institute reveal the hidden psychosocial forces that drive — or derail — diabetes self-management.
You’ll walk away with a completely new toolkit for breaking through patient resistance, dissolving medication hesitancy, and creating clinical encounters that actually inspire change!
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on checkpoint inhibitors triggering hyperglycemia. 34% 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 by clicking here.
Betty, a 60-year-old female, is receiving pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, as treatment for melanoma. She is worried about the potential adverse effects. She is very concerned about the risk of developing diabetes. Her recent lab work shows normal fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 24.22% chose this answer, “A gradual onset of mild hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance, similar to type 2 diabetes.” This answer is incorrect. Immune checkpoint inhibitor medications do not cause mild hyperglycemia but instead cause significant hyperglycemia and DKA similar to type 1 diabetes.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 24.22% of you chose this answer, “A steroid-induced hyperglycemia that resolves after tapering off steroid therapy.” This answer is incorrect. Though steroid treatment is often needed, hyperglycemia in immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated diabetes is not resolved after tapering off steroids.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 17.58% of respondents chose this: “A mild, transient fasting hyperglycemia that requires no treatment.” This answer is incorrect. Though steroid treatment is often needed, hyperglycemia in immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated diabetes is not resolved after tapering off steroids.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 33.98% chose this answer, “A rapid-onset insulin-deficient diabetes that can present as diabetic ketoacidosis.” This answer is correct. Due to immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced immune system alterations, hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency can rapidly develop, often leading to DKA.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Join national experts including Dr. Diana Isaacs (Cleveland Clinic), Beverly Thomassian (30+ years of experience), and Christine Craig for high-impact, virtual learning—no travel required.
✔ Learn from National Experts — Anywhere
Get the same expert-level instruction you’d receive in person, delivered live to your home or office.
✔ Interactive & Flexible
Walk away with tools you can apply immediately in clinical practice or while preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM exams. From insulin dosing protocols to behavior change strategies that work in the real world—this content bridges theory and practice.
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
Question of the Week:
KC is a 62-year-old individual with type 2 diabetes who presents for follow-up after initiating a weight loss program 3 months ago. They report consuming approximately 1,000–1,100 kcal/day and have lost 12% of their body weight, with a current rate of weight loss averaging 5% in the last month.
Their diet excludes most grains and fruits, and they report occasional fatigue and constipation. Current medications include metformin, tirzepatide, and atorvastatin.
Based on current standards of care, what is the most appropriate response regarding nutrition and weight changes?
What is the BEST response?
Get exam-ready with confidence.
Course credits through AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, ACPE, ANCC, and CDR!
Full accreditation details are available on the registration page
Our CDCES Boot Camp Online Prep Bundle is a comprehensive, high-impact program built specifically for healthcare professionals preparing for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam who want to level up their clinical knowledge and skills.
This evidence-based study bundle is a comprehensive BC-ADM Boot Camp designed for advanced-level healthcare professionals preparing for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam and will also provide you with state-of-the-art information to level up your clinical practice.
Join national experts including Dr. Diana Isaacs (Cleveland Clinic), Beverly Thomassian (30+ years of experience), and Christine Craig for high-impact, virtual learning—no travel required.
✔ Learn from National Experts — Anywhere
Get the same expert-level instruction you’d receive in person, delivered live to your home or office.
✔ Interactive & Flexible
Walk away with tools you can apply immediately in clinical practice or while preparing for CDCES or BC-ADM exams. From insulin dosing protocols to behavior change strategies that work in the real world—this content bridges theory and practice.
In diabetes care, what is the reported percentage
of patients who have missed or not returned for follow-up care due to feelings of shame, blame, or judgment?
Answer A is incorrect: 8.39% chose this answer, “10%.” This answer underestimates the problem. Research indicates that approximately 40% of patients with diabetes may miss or avoid follow-up appointments because they experience feelings of shame, blame or judgment related to their condition or care. This highlights the importance of delivering diabetes care with stigma-free, supportive communication approaches as a means to improve engagement and outcomes
Answer B is incorrect: 17.10% chose this answer, “25%.” This answer underestimates the problem. Research indicates that approximately 40% of patients with diabetes may miss or avoid follow-up appointments because they experience feelings of shame, blame or judgment related to their condition or care. This highlights the importance of delivering diabetes care with stigma-free, supportive communication approaches as a means to improve engagement and outcomes.
Answer C is correct: 66.77% chose the correct answer, GREAT JOB. “40%.” Per the 2026 ADA Standards of Care, bone health needs to be assessed in men aged ≥50 years with type 2 diabetes and an A1c >8%. He is also on pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, which is another risk factor for low bone density.
Answer D is incorrect: 7.74% chose this answer, “60%.” This answer overestimates the problem. Research indicates that approximately 40% of patients with diabetes may miss or avoid follow-up appointments because they experience feelings of shame, blame or judgment related to their condition or care. This highlights the importance of delivering diabetes care with stigma-free, supportive communication approaches as a means to improve engagement and outcomes.
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!
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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.
