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Upcoming Webinars
Check out these upcoming class offerings! ✨
Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3-Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, & Report. She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment & action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, & documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting. Earn 1.5 CEs or join for free!
Determining basal & bolus rates for multiple daily injections or insulin pumps can seem overwhelming. This course provides participants with a step-by-step approach to determining basal rates, bolus ratios & how to problem-solve when blood glucose levels aren’t on target. During this course, Coach Beverly provides abundant case studies to give participants hands-on practice & build confidence when calculating insulin doses for a variety of situations.
Why Attend These Webinars?
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Live in San Diego
DiabetesEd Training Seminar
Join us live October 22nd – 23rd, 2025!
30+ CEs with Expanded Accreditation!
Join our expert team for engaging, interactive sessions that bring the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more. Ideal for CDCES or BC-ADM exam prep, this course also includes a 4-hour Virtual Medical Nutrition Therapy Toolkit and bonus content that also meets CDCES renewal requirements.
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current ADA Standards for diagnosis, goals, and person-centered diabetes management across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate insulin pattern management and dosing strategies in clinical scenarios.
- Implement timely screening and risk reduction strategies for microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
- Incorporate behavior change techniques and medical nutrition therapy to support people with diabetes self-management and lifestyle adjustment.
Expert Faculty:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
Faculty Bios & Disclosures
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun!
Program Faculty Disclosures:
Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) requires every individual in a position to control educational content to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
All relevant financial relationships for anyone with the ability to control the content of this educational activity are listed below and have been mitigated according to Partners policies. Others involved in the planning of this activity have no relevant financial relationships.
Faculy Bios & Disclosures:
Coach Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM – CEO of DiabetesEd ServicesDisclosures:
Beverly Thomassian has no financial disclosures
Bio:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Disclosures:
Dr. Diana Isaacs has the following relevant financial relationships:
- Consultant, advisor, and speaker for Abbot Labratories, Dexcom, Medtronic, Insulet, Lilly, Cequr, Sanofi, and Undermyfork
- Board member at Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Bio:
Diana Isaacs was awarded 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She serves in leadership roles for several pharmacies and diabetes organizations. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects with a focus on medications, CGM and diabetes technology.
For the past three year, Dr. Isaacs has served as a contributing author for the 2023 ADA Standards of Care.
As the Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research and speaking experience to this program.
Expanded Accreditation
Activity Start and End Date: 10/22/25 – 10/23/2025
Estimated time to complete the activity: 15 hours and 30 minutes
_____________________________________
Jointly provided by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education and Diabetes Education Services
Joint Accreditation Statement:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) and Diabetes Education Services. Partners is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Continuing Education:
Partners designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity is 15.50 contact hours.
Pharmacy Continuing Education:
Partners designates this continuing education activity for 15.50 contact hour(s) (1.550 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Activity Number – JA4008073-9999-25-206-L01-P)
Type of Activity: Application
For Pharmacists: Upon successfully completing the activity evaluation form, transcript information will be sent to the NABP CPE Monitor Service within 4 weeks.
Dietitian Continuing Education:
This program offers 15.50 CPEUs for dietitians.
Interprofessional Continuing Education:
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 15.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
For additional information about the accreditation of this activity, please visit https://partnersed.com.
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.
Rationale of the Week | Lower Extremity Recommendation for JT?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on Lower Extremity Recommendation for JT? . 77% 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:
JT is a 58-year-old with type 2 diabetes presents for a routine exam. Has a 20-year history of diabetes, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. Reports no foot pain, but partner notes they have been walking with a slight limp. On exam, you note dry skin, thickened toenails, a callus on the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head, and diminished monofilament sensation at multiple sites on both feet. Pedal pulses are diminished bilaterally, and ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) is 0.6 on the right and 0.7 on the left.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this JT’s foot care?
Answer Choices:
- Refer to a podiatrist for debridement of the callus and initiate custom orthotics.
- Reassure JT that this is only a minor issue since they are not experiencing pain and schedule follow-up in 6 months.
- Prescribe a topical antifungal for the toenails and instruct JT to inspect feet weekly and apply moisturizing cream.
- Recommend vascular imaging and refer to a vascular specialist due to abnormal ABI and diminished pulses.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is incorrect. 16% chose this answer, “Refer to a podiatrist for debridement of the callus and initiate custom orthotics.” While podiatry referral is important, vascular compromise must be evaluated first. Debridement in a patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) could lead to poor healing or ulceration.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 1% of you chose this answer, “Reassure JT that this is only a minor issue since they are not experiencing pain and schedule follow-up in 6 months.” Absence of pain does not exclude serious pathology, especially in individuals with neuropathy.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 3% of respondents chose this, “Prescribe a topical antifungal for the toenails and instruct JT to inspect feet weekly and apply moisturizing cream.” This addresses a minor issue (onychomycosis), but ignores signs of ischemia and neuropathy.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 77% chose this answer, “Recommend vascular imaging and refer to a vascular specialist due to abnormal ABI and diminished pulses.” ABI values <0.9 indicate PAD; values <0.5 are considered severe. Given the ABI of 0.6 and 0.7, along with diminished pulses and gait change, vascular referral is necessary to assess perfusion and prevent future ulceration or amputation.
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 to learn more about this question?
Join us live on August 12th @ 11:30am PST for Level 4 | 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation
Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3-Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, & Report. She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment & action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, & documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting. This course is free to attend without earning CEs, or you can choose the paid option if you wish to receive CE credits.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
August 2025 eNews
Featured Articles
_________________________
- Overcoming Defeat & Looking Fear in the Face
- Carb Counting in the AI Era
- Beta Bionics – Celebrate Freedom from Carb Counts
- New! Scholarships for San Diego – Apply by Aug 29th
- Question of the Week
- Rationale of the Week
Upcoming Programs
___________________________
- Live Seminar – San Diego October 22-23, 2025
- Insulin Calculation Workshop Aug 14th
- Hot Flashes & Hyperglycemia Aug 27th
- Join Coach Bev in Hawaii – Earn 6.5 CE’s on Sept 5th
- Complete Calendar Listing
Free Webinars
___________________________
- 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation Aug 12th
- Prep for CDCES Webinar – Aug 19th
- Prep to Take the BC-ADM -Aug 20th
- So You Didn’t Pass the CDCES Exam? Aug 26th
- Free Resource Catalog
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Happy August!
Greetings, wonderful healthcare colleagues. This newsletter is full of exciting content, important announcements, and new programs.
Did you know that over 30% of HCP taking their CDCES for the first time don’t pass? Not passing can feel very discouraging, but be reassured that this does not define you, and you are not alone. Join our Free webinar on August 26th to regroup, reconfigure, and get re-energized to pass this exam!
AI is becoming an integral part of our everyday life, and for people with diabetes, it may offer significant benefits in helping determine the amount of carbs in food. Our expert delves into this topic, exploring different apps and the potential benefits of AI.
Speaking of carb counting, our next article examines the Beta Bionics insulin pump, which eliminates the need for users to manually enter the carbs they consume. Read more to learn about the ins and outs of this innovative insulin pump.
If you are working toward your CDCES, I encourage you to apply for our DiabetesEd Training Seminar San Diego Scholarship. Two recipients will be awarded the cost of registration ($559) to our fantastic two-day training seminar in October. Applications due August 29th.
You won’t want to miss our newest course, ‘Hyperglycemia and Hot Flashes,’ taught by our guest expert, Dr. Jill Schramm, on August 27th. If you are looking for a reason to go to Hawaii, join Coach Bev in Honolulu in September.
This month, you are invited to join our free webinars on DeFeeting Amputation and Prepping for your CDCES & BC-ADM. Challenge yourself with our Question and Rationale of the Week, Too!
I hope to see you in Phoenix, Booth 527! Stop by and say hello to me and my boys. We can’t wait to meet you!
With appreciation,
Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Tiffany, Christine, & Katarina
Live in San Diego
DiabetesEd Training Seminar
Join us live October 22nd – 23rd, 2025!
30+ CEs with Expanded Accreditation!
Join our expert team for engaging, interactive sessions that bring the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more. Ideal for CDCES or BC-ADM exam prep, this course also includes a 4-hour Virtual Medical Nutrition Therapy Toolkit and bonus content that also meets CDCES renewal requirements.
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current ADA Standards for diagnosis, goals, and person-centered diabetes management across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate insulin pattern management and dosing strategies in clinical scenarios.
- Implement timely screening and risk reduction strategies for microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
- Incorporate behavior change techniques and medical nutrition therapy to support people with diabetes self-management and lifestyle adjustment.
Expert Faculty:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
Faculty Bios & Disclosures
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun!
Program Faculty Disclosures:
Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) requires every individual in a position to control educational content to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
All relevant financial relationships for anyone with the ability to control the content of this educational activity are listed below and have been mitigated according to Partners policies. Others involved in the planning of this activity have no relevant financial relationships.
Faculy Bios & Disclosures:
Coach Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM – CEO of DiabetesEd ServicesDisclosures:
Beverly Thomassian has no financial disclosures
Bio:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Disclosures:
Dr. Diana Isaacs has the following relevant financial relationships:
- Consultant, advisor, and speaker for Abbot Labratories, Dexcom, Medtronic, Insulet, Lilly, Cequr, Sanofi, and Undermyfork
- Board member at Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Bio:
Diana Isaacs was awarded 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She serves in leadership roles for several pharmacies and diabetes organizations. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects with a focus on medications, CGM and diabetes technology.
For the past three year, Dr. Isaacs has served as a contributing author for the 2023 ADA Standards of Care.
As the Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research and speaking experience to this program.
Expanded Accreditation
Activity Start and End Date: 10/22/25 – 10/23/2025
Estimated time to complete the activity: 15 hours and 30 minutes
_____________________________________
Jointly provided by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education and Diabetes Education Services
Joint Accreditation Statement:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) and Diabetes Education Services. Partners is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Continuing Education:
Partners designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity is 15.50 contact hours.
Pharmacy Continuing Education:
Partners designates this continuing education activity for 15.50 contact hour(s) (1.550 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Activity Number – JA4008073-9999-25-206-L01-P)
Type of Activity: Application
For Pharmacists: Upon successfully completing the activity evaluation form, transcript information will be sent to the NABP CPE Monitor Service within 4 weeks.
Dietitian Continuing Education:
This program offers 15.50 CPEUs for dietitians.
Interprofessional Continuing Education:
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 15.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
For additional information about the accreditation of this activity, please visit https://partnersed.com.
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.
Question of the Week | Insulin Pump Inquiry for Rising A1C on MDI?
C.K. is a 55-year-old elementary school teacher diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ten years ago and is managing glycemic control with multiple daily injections (MDI) and a CGM. You are seeing C.K. for diabetes education due to an increasing hemoglobin A1c from 7.0% to 9.9%. During the appointment, C.K. reports missing mealtime doses due to being “too busy to get all that stuff out” at both work and home. C.K. notes that a friend from church has an insulin pump and asks if an insulin pump would help improve their A1c.
As the diabetes care and education specialist, what factors do you need to assess before determining if C.K. is ready for insulin pump therapy?
- C.K. is not ready for an insulin pump because of the frequently missed mealtime doses of rapid-acting insulin.
- C.K. is a candidate for an insulin pump because this person dislikes their current MDI therapy regimen, making no further evaluation or assessment necessary.
- C.K. may be a appropriate candidate, but it is essential to assess knowledge of diabetes self-management, willingness to learn pump skills, and ability to troubleshoot the insulin pump.
- C.K. is not a candidate for an insulin pump because the A1C is above target.
Live in San Diego
DiabetesEd Training Seminar
Join us live October 22nd – 23rd, 2025!
30+ CEs with Expanded Accreditation!
Join our expert team for engaging, interactive sessions that bring the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more. Ideal for CDCES or BC-ADM exam prep, this course also includes a 4-hour Virtual Medical Nutrition Therapy Toolkit and bonus content that also meets CDCES renewal requirements.
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current ADA Standards for diagnosis, goals, and person-centered diabetes management across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate insulin pattern management and dosing strategies in clinical scenarios.
- Implement timely screening and risk reduction strategies for microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
- Incorporate behavior change techniques and medical nutrition therapy to support people with diabetes self-management and lifestyle adjustment.
Expert Faculty:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
Faculty Bios & Disclosures
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun!
Program Faculty Disclosures:
Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) requires every individual in a position to control educational content to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
All relevant financial relationships for anyone with the ability to control the content of this educational activity are listed below and have been mitigated according to Partners policies. Others involved in the planning of this activity have no relevant financial relationships.
Faculy Bios & Disclosures:
Coach Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM – CEO of DiabetesEd ServicesDisclosures:
Beverly Thomassian has no financial disclosures
Bio:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Disclosures:
Dr. Diana Isaacs has the following relevant financial relationships:
- Consultant, advisor, and speaker for Abbot Labratories, Dexcom, Medtronic, Insulet, Lilly, Cequr, Sanofi, and Undermyfork
- Board member at Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Bio:
Diana Isaacs was awarded 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She serves in leadership roles for several pharmacies and diabetes organizations. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects with a focus on medications, CGM and diabetes technology.
For the past three year, Dr. Isaacs has served as a contributing author for the 2023 ADA Standards of Care.
As the Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research and speaking experience to this program.
Expanded Accreditation
Activity Start and End Date: 10/22/25 – 10/23/2025
Estimated time to complete the activity: 15 hours and 30 minutes
_____________________________________
Jointly provided by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education and Diabetes Education Services
Joint Accreditation Statement:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) and Diabetes Education Services. Partners is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Continuing Education:
Partners designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity is 15.50 contact hours.
Pharmacy Continuing Education:
Partners designates this continuing education activity for 15.50 contact hour(s) (1.550 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Activity Number – JA4008073-9999-25-206-L01-P)
Type of Activity: Application
For Pharmacists: Upon successfully completing the activity evaluation form, transcript information will be sent to the NABP CPE Monitor Service within 4 weeks.
Dietitian Continuing Education:
This program offers 15.50 CPEUs for dietitians.
Interprofessional Continuing Education:
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 15.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
For additional information about the accreditation of this activity, please visit https://partnersed.com.
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.
Upcoming Webinars for August!
Level 4 | 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation – Join us live on August 12th for the 2025 update!
Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3-Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, & Report. She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment & action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, & documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting. Earn 1.25 CEs/CPEUs or join for FREE!
Why Attend These Webinars?
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our Level 4 | The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health awards 1.0 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Strategies to Bridge Gaps in Diabetes Nutrition
Summer offers an excellent opportunity to engage with fresh, seasonal eating and a local farmer’s market offers an ideal starting point for both inspiration and nutrition. In diabetes care, fruit and vegetable consumption are cornerstone nutrition recommendations, yet most Americans don’t get enough.
Fresh Fruit and Veggies Improve Health – Yet gaps exist
Increased consumption is associated with diabetes prevention, diabetes management, and reduced risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease. A recent meta-analysis found for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, an additional 200 grams per day (about 2.5 servings) was associated with a 26% lower risk of all-cause mortality.¹
Despite these benefits, 2019 national data showed adults met only 12.3% of daily fruit recommendations (1.5-2 cups) and 10.0% of daily vegetables recommendations (2-3 cups).² The lowest intakes were found among males for fruit consumption and in individuals living at or below the poverty line for vegetable consumption. Barriers such as cost, limited access, lack of preparation skills, and previous food experiences all contribute to these gaps; however, by supporting access and confidence in use, we can help bridge this gap.
Taking Action to Address Food Quality and Access
In 2019, I experienced these challenges firsthand while working at a rural health clinic in Northern California serving individuals living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While we were making progress using population health strategies to support outreach and engagement, as a dietitian, I recognized we could do more to address food quality and access for our rural community.
A chance conversation at a community health event led to a grant opportunity and the creation of a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription program. Individuals attending diabetes care visits could be eligible to receive farmer’s market vouchers, aligning with the recent launch of a local downtown market. Although the market was not year-round, we saw this as an opportunity to help connect individuals at risk of low intakes with seasonal produce found at farmers’ markets.
Each week, we partnered with farmers to provide recipe cards, seasonal produce challenges, and activities that encouraged trying new foods into traditional meals. Although early outcomes were limited by the onset of COVID the following year, similar programs continue across the U.S.³, with studies suggesting potential long-term benefits for fruit and vegetable intake, food security, and clinical markers linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.⁴
Nutrition Assistance Programs Make a Difference
In addition to Prescription Programs, several other, currently funded⁵, nutrition assistance programs can help increase food dollars for farmers’ market spending. Many farmers’ markets across the U.S. now accept SNAP/EBT and programs like Market Match, WIC, and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, offering incentives by matching the value of EBT dollars spent on fruits and vegetables. Identifying participating markets in our communities and sharing how individuals can access these benefits may help reduce financial barriers and support more equitable access to fresh, healthy foods.
A helpful resource is the USDA Farmers Market Directory, which allows users to search by zip code for local markets and filter results to show those that accept SNAP or other benefits.
Getting Familiar with New Foods
Familiarity, exploring new foods, and obtaining skills for preparation can be another challenge. Tools such as the Seasonal Food Guide offers information by state and month on what produce is in season. Within this guide, you will find links to information on each type of food, including purchasing, storing, and cooking. Fruitsandveggies.org offers resources for health professionals, consumer handouts, information about each fruit or vegetable, seasonal guides, and recipes.
Clients have shared wonderful resources from Tiktok, Instagram, or YouTube for how to cook videos for new foods. Many farmers’ markets have their own pages, which can tell you what is in season at your local market that week. Planning meals and determining what to eat can be one of the most challenging aspects of nutrition management in diabetes. Knowing what is available, exploring meal planning ideas, helping shop with a plan, sharing tips, and engaging with farmers for preparation and storage advice can help build confidence in food selection.
Enjoying the Rainbow of Fruits and Veggies
At our local market in Northern California, produce such as berries, cucumbers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens are plentiful and align well with diabetes nutrition therapy. Berries are high in antioxidants and fiber. Zucchini and cucumbers are hydrating non-starchy vegetables, perfect for raw salads or simple sautéed side dishes. Leafy greens, such as arugula, spinach, and Swiss chard, are rich in vitamins and minerals and pair well with many summer meals.
Ideas for incorporating these foods could include zucchini noodles tossed in pesto or a basic marinara sauce, a cucumber and tomato salad with vinaigrette, a berry and Greek yogurt bowl, or sautéed peppers and greens served with grilled chicken or a bean of choice. When healthcare providers connect individuals to accessible nutrition strategies, they support sustainable, community-based diabetes care that can promote health beyond the clinic walls.
Easy Plant-Based Recipe:
3- Minute Skillet Beans & Greens⁶
Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 4 (¾ cup each)
Ingredients:
-
🫒 1 tbsp olive oil
-
🫘 1 (15-oz) can no-salt-added garbanzo beans (or rinse regular beans), drained
-
🌶️ 1 tsp curry powder
-
🌿 ½ tsp ground ginger
-
🧂 ¼ tsp black pepper
-
🥬 5 oz fresh baby spinach
-
🧂 ¼ tsp salt
💡 No spinach? Swap with kale, collard greens, or other leafy greens! (Note: heartier greens will need 2–3 more minutes to cook!)
🔥 Just heat, stir, and enjoy your speedy, healthy, and super tasty dish! 😋✨
Instructions:
-Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-Add garbanzo beans, curry powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beans evenly in the spices.
-Add spinach and salt. Stir gently and cook for about 2½ minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the beans are heated through.
-Serve warm.
Optional Add-Ins:
-For a saucier dish, add a few spoonfuls of the reserved bean liquid to the pan.
-Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, richer version.
Nutrition Facts (Per ¾ Cup Serving):
-Calories: 155, Total Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 0.7g), Carbohydrates: 21g (Dietary Fiber: 7g, Sugars: 4g), Protein: 8g, Sodium: 170mg, Potassium: 415mg
For More Information:
-Farmer’s Market Programs: https://www.fns.usda.gov/farmersmarket
-Find a local Farmer’s Market: Local Food Directory https://www.usdalocalfoodportal.com/fe/fdirectory_farmersmarket/
-Seasonal Food Guide: www.seasonalfoodguide.org
-Have a Plant: Fruit and Veggies.org: www.fruitsandveggies.org
References:
- Faezeh Geravand, Mohsen Montazer, Seyed Mohammad Mousavi, Leila Azadbakht, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies, Nutrition Reviews, 2025;, nuaf013, https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaf013
- Lee SH, Moore LV, Park S, Harris DM, Blanck HM. Adults Meeting Fruit and Vegetable Intake Recommendations- United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1-9 downloaded on June 18th 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7101a1.htm?s_cid=mm7101a1_w
- Voucher Incentives and Produce Prescriptions downloaded on June 18th, 2025 from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/incentives-prescriptions/index.html
- Hager K, Du M, Li Z, et al. Impact of produce prescriptions on diet, food security, and cardiometabolic health outcomes: A multisite evaluation of 9 produce prescription programs in the United States. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2023;16(9). doi:10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.122.009520
- Learn about how to take Action to Support Nutrition Programs by visiting Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Leads Trusted Health Organizations in Urging Congress to Protect Investments in Nutrition Security downloaded on June 19th 2025 from
https://www.eatrightpro.org/about-us/for-media/press-releases/academy-leads-organizations-in-urging-congress-to-protect-investments-in-nutrition-security - Recipe from Diabetes Food Hub downloaded on June 18th, 2025.
🎉 Register Today: DiabetesEd Live Conference – San Diego!
October 22–23, 2025 | 🌴 San Diego, CA
Get ready for two days of expert-led, info-packed learning at our in-person DiabetesEd Live Seminar! Whether you’re preparing for your certification exam or looking to sharpen your clinical skills, this intensive event is designed to give you the tools, confidence, and knowledge you need.
💡Ideal for exam prep and clinical refresh
💡 Interactive sessions with real-world applications
💡Network with peers and diabetes care experts
📅 Mark your calendar — October 22–23
📍 San Diego – beautiful location, powerful learning!
Exciting News! Newly Expanded Accreditation
Diabetes Education Services has teamed up with Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) to expand our accreditation offerings.
You can now earn CE credit for the Live San Diego Conference through the following accrediting bodies:
- AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- ACPE
- ANCC
- CDR
Question of the Week | Lower Extremity Recommendation for JT?
JT is a 58-year-old with type 2 diabetes presents for a routine exam. Has a 20-year history of diabetes, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy. Reports no foot pain, but partner notes they have been walking with a slight limp. On exam, you note dry skin, thickened toenails, a callus on the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head, and diminished monofilament sensation at multiple sites on both feet. Pedal pulses are diminished bilaterally, and ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index) is 0.6 on the right and 0.7 on the left.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in managing this JT’s foot care?
- Refer to a podiatrist for debridement of the callus and initiate custom orthotics.
- Reassure JT that this is only a minor issue since they are not experiencing pain and schedule follow-up in 6 months.
- Prescribe a topical antifungal for the toenails and instruct JT to inspect feet weekly and apply moisturizing cream.
- Recommend vascular imaging and refer to a vascular specialist due to abnormal ABI and diminished pulses.
Want to learn more about this question?
Join us live on August 12th @ 11:30am PST for Level 4 | 3 Steps to DeFeet Amputation
Coach Beverly will walk participants through the 3-Step Process to Save Feet; Assess, Screen, & Report. She will provide simple and clear instructions on how to assess and inspect feet, along with risk assessment & action steps. We will share free teaching tools, strategies, & documentation forms adapted from the Lower Extremity Prevention Program (LEAP) that you can immediately implement in your practice setting. This course is free to attend without earning CEs, or you can choose the paid option if you wish to receive CE credits.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
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.
Rationale of the Week | What best describes the action of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on What best describes the action of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists? 54% 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: Which of the following is accurate statement regarding Glucagon Like Peptides (GLP-1)?
Answer Choices:
- Main action is inhibition of DPP-IV enzyme
- Increases post prandial glucagon secretion
- Promotes gastric motility
- Decreases hepatic glycogenolysis
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is incorrect. 22% chose this answer, “Main action is inhibition of DPP-IV enzyme.” The GLP-1’s do not inhibit the action of the DPP-IV enzyme (that is the DPP-IV inhibitor class). GLP-1 agonists work by activating the GLP-1 receptor found on cells in the pancreas and brain. They slow gastric emptying, inhibit the release of glucagon, and stimulate insulin production, promote satiety and reduce hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 15% of you chose this answer, “Increases post prandial glucagon secretion.” GLP-1 agonists work by activating the GLP-1 receptor found on cells in the pancreas and brain. They inhibit the release of glucagon, slow gastric emptying and stimulate insulin production, promote satiety and reduce hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 7% of respondents chose this, “Promotes gastric motility.” GLP-1 agonists work by activating the GLP-1 receptor found on cells in the pancreas and brain. They slow gastric emptying, inhibit the release of glucagon, and stimulate insulin production, promote satiety and reduce hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 54% chose this answer, “Decreases hepatic glycogenolysis.” YES – GREAT JOB! GLP-1 agonists work by activating the GLP-1 receptor found on cells in the pancreas and brain. They inhibit the release of glucagon which decreases hepatic glycogenolysis. They also slow gastric emptying, stimulate insulin production, promote satiety and reduce hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.
For more information, download our Medication PocketCard for more information.
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!
Live in San Diego
DiabetesEd Training Seminar
Join us live October 22nd – 23rd, 2025!
30+ CEs with Expanded Accreditation!
Join our expert team for engaging, interactive sessions that bring the ADA Standards of Care to life—covering medications, behavior change, technology, and more. Ideal for CDCES or BC-ADM exam prep, this course also includes a 4-hour Virtual Medical Nutrition Therapy Toolkit and bonus content that also meets CDCES renewal requirements.
Program Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the current ADA Standards for diagnosis, goals, and person-centered diabetes management across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate insulin pattern management and dosing strategies in clinical scenarios.
- Implement timely screening and risk reduction strategies for microvascular and cardiovascular complications.
- Incorporate behavior change techniques and medical nutrition therapy to support people with diabetes self-management and lifestyle adjustment.
Expert Faculty:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
Faculty Bios & Disclosures
Our expert team transforms complex diabetes science into clear, practical insights—keeping it real, engaging, and fun!
Program Faculty Disclosures:
Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) requires every individual in a position to control educational content to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
All relevant financial relationships for anyone with the ability to control the content of this educational activity are listed below and have been mitigated according to Partners policies. Others involved in the planning of this activity have no relevant financial relationships.
Faculy Bios & Disclosures:
Coach Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM – CEO of DiabetesEd ServicesDisclosures:
Beverly Thomassian has no financial disclosures
Bio:
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCPCES
Disclosures:
Dr. Diana Isaacs has the following relevant financial relationships:
- Consultant, advisor, and speaker for Abbot Labratories, Dexcom, Medtronic, Insulet, Lilly, Cequr, Sanofi, and Undermyfork
- Board member at Association for Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Bio:
Diana Isaacs was awarded 2020 ADCES Diabetes Educator of the Year for her educational platform promoting the use of CGM for people with diabetes and other innovations. She serves in leadership roles for several pharmacies and diabetes organizations. She has numerous diabetes publications and research projects with a focus on medications, CGM and diabetes technology.
For the past three year, Dr. Isaacs has served as a contributing author for the 2023 ADA Standards of Care.
As the Program Coordinator and clinical pharmacist specialist in the Cleveland Clinic Diabetes Center, Dr. Isaacs brings a wealth of clinical knowledge combined with extensive research and speaking experience to this program.
Expanded Accreditation
Activity Start and End Date: 10/22/25 – 10/23/2025
Estimated time to complete the activity: 15 hours and 30 minutes
_____________________________________
Jointly provided by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education and Diabetes Education Services
Joint Accreditation Statement:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Partners for Advancing Clinical Education (Partners) and Diabetes Education Services. Partners is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Continuing Education:
Partners designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity is 15.50 contact hours.
Pharmacy Continuing Education:
Partners designates this continuing education activity for 15.50 contact hour(s) (1.550 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Activity Number – JA4008073-9999-25-206-L01-P)
Type of Activity: Application
For Pharmacists: Upon successfully completing the activity evaluation form, transcript information will be sent to the NABP CPE Monitor Service within 4 weeks.
Dietitian Continuing Education:
This program offers 15.50 CPEUs for dietitians.
Interprofessional Continuing Education:
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 15.50 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
For additional information about the accreditation of this activity, please visit https://partnersed.com.
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.
