Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes, these new treatment options including PCSK9 Inhibitors and ACL Inhibitors, offer hope of decreasing cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. In addition rates of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) rates are rising worldwide and people with diabetes account for the majority of people receiving treatment for end-stage renal disease.
The new nonsteroidal Selective Mineralcorticoid Antagonists reduce the risk of kidney function decline and failure, plus reduce risk of cardiovascular death. We asked our PharmD experts to update our Cheat Sheets with the latest info and provide a summary of these medication classes, action and considerations. Special thanks to our contributing experts Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP and Kristapor Thomassian, PharmD, BCPS.
Download Updated Cheat Sheets Here
PCSK9 Inhibitors (proprotein convertase subtillisin / kexin type 9)
This class of drugs are monoclonal antibodies designed to bind to the PCSK9 enzyme in the liver. PCSK9 enzyme is involved in inactivating LDL receptors, resulting in continued high levels of LDL circulating in the blood. The PCSK9 inhibitors (monoclonal antibodies) bind to the enzyme and increase the LDL receptors, helping reduce circulating LDL in the blood by appropriately metabolizing LDL in the liver.
There are specific FDA approved indications for this class of medications. Please refer to appropriate guidelines to determine if the individual meets criteria for agents in this class for treatment.
ACL Inhbitor (Adenosine Triphosphte-citrate Lyase)
This class of drug is designed to bind to the ATP-citrate Lyase enzyme. The ATP-citrate Lyase enzyme is the one of the initial enzymes involved in Cholesterol synthesis. Statins are the main class of agents we currently use to help block the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, one of the primary enzymes involved in cholesterol production. The ACL inhibitor works upstream on the same cascade to help reduce cholesterol production, to achieve additional LDL lowering.
Nonsteroidal Selective Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist
This class of drug is designed to bind to the Mineralocorticoid receptor. Mineralocorticoid receptors are found in regions most important for regulating electrolytes like sodium and potassium in key organs such as the kidney, heart and brain. Reducing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of our most important goals in keeping preventing end stage renal disease and CB events. Excess aldosterone production, the primary steroid based mineralocorticoid found in our bodies, has been implicated in nephrololgy and cardiovascular pathophysiology. The mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist blocks the effects of aldosterone and reduces the risk of kidney function decline as well as heart failure.
Want to learn more about this topic and more?
Did you miss the live conference? No worries! You can register now to watch on-demand
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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.
Our September 7th Question of the week quizzed test takers on carb counting. 55% of respondents chose the correct answer. This was a hard question. Figuring out how much insulin to cover carbs is an important topic to review, so we can pass on correct info to people living with diabetes.
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: LS uses an insulin pump and CGM. Most recent report reveals LS is running 56% time in range and 44% above target range. LS asks for help with carb counting. A typical breakfast includes: ½ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter and 1 piece whole grain bread, 3 oz’s of grapes and one cup of black coffee with Splenda. LS’s insulin to carb ratio for breakfast is 1:12, for lunch and dinner is 1:15.
Based on this, how much insulin does LS need for breakfast?
Answer Choices:
As shown above, the most common choice was option 3, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 4, and finally option 2.
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, do careful math, be familiar with the exchange list and choose the BEST answer.
Diabetes Exchange List – a brief summary of serving size and carbohydrate counts for common foods. Excellent study tool for the exam.
Here are the carb counts of the foods listed:
LS’s insulin to carb ratio:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 23.97% chose this answer, “3.1 units.” If you chose this answer you are so close. For the exam, remember that one cup of milk has 12gms of carbohydrate (not 15gms). Please see the link to the exchange list for the carb counts of common foods.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 9.98% of you chose this answer, “2.4 units.” If you chose this answer, you may have used the lunch/dinner insulin to carb ratio of 1:15 instead of the breakfast ratio of 1:12. This is an easy mistake to make, so make sure to read the question carefully and take your time doing the math. You got this.
Answer 3 is correct. 55.32% of respondents chose this answer, “3.0 units.” GREAT JOB. This is the best answer. The total carb intake for LS is 36 gms. Since the Insulin to Carb (I:CR) ratio for breakfast is 1:12, to find out how much insulin LS needs for breakfast, just divide gms of carb by the I:CR or 36 / 12 = 3 units.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 10.73% chose this answer, “2.5 units.” If you chose this answer. there are 2 things to be aware of: one cup of milk has 12gms of carbohydrate (not 15gms) and you may have used the lunch/dinner insulin to carb ratio of 1:15 instead of the breakfast ratio of 1:12. These are easy mistakes to make, so make sure to read the question carefully, be familiar with common carbs and take your time doing the math. You got this.
Diabetes Exchange List – a brief summary of serving size and carbohydrate counts for common foods. Excellent study tool for the exam.
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 carb counting and more?
We address this topic from many different angles during our Virtual Course!
Did you miss the live conference? No worries! You can register now to watch on-demand
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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.
JR has a GFR of 43 and lives with type 2 diabetes. JR excitedly brings you an article that talks about finerenone (Kerendia), a newly approved non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist which is indicated for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with Type 2 diabetes.
If JR is started on this medication, what instruction would you provide?
Click here to test your knowledge!
Need a hint? Check out our New Updated Med Cheat Sheets 2021 (page 2).
Did you miss the live conference? No worries! You can register now to watch on-demand
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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.
Click here to read our full September 2021 newsletter.
Featured Blogs
Upcoming Events & Resources
Did you miss the live conference? No worries! You can register now to watch on-demand
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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.
Our August 31st Question of the week quizzed test takers on interventions. Over 90% of respondents chose the correct answer. Great job! We thought that this was an important topic to review, so we can pass on correct info to people living with diabetes.
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: JR is 43 with type 2 diabetes who shows up for their usual visit and happens to mention that they have had moments of feeling dizzy over the past few months. A few times, they have checked their blood sugars during these spells, and they were 121 and 136. JRs medications include glipizide 10mg BID, metformin 1000mg BID, lisinopril 20mg, atorvastatin 20mg. JR has lost about 10 lbs since their last visit by eating more whole foods and grains and less fast foods.
Based on this assessment, what is the next best action?
Answer Choices:
As shown above, the most common choice was option 3, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 2, and finally option 4.
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 2.93% chose this answer, “Suggest that JR starts on aspirin given their cardiovascular risk profile.” Aspirin therapy is recommended for those 50 and older with existing or at risk for a cardiovascular event. Since JR is younger than 50, this is not the best answer.
Answer 2 is correct. 90.79% of you chose this answer, “Recommend JR get a home blood pressure monitor.” Yes, GREAT JOB. Most of you chose this best answer. Most likely, the dizziness is a result of lower blood pressure secondary to weight loss and treatment with an ACE Inhibitor (lisinopril). The ADA Standards recommend that people on blood pressure medications self-monitor their blood pressure at home to detect changes in pressure that warrant a reduction or intensification of anti-hypertensive therapy.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 2.51% of respondents chose this answer, “Assess if JR might need a sleep study to evaluate for sleep disorders.” While it is true that many people with diabetes have sleep disorders, in this case study there is not enough supporting clinical symptoms to support a sleep study. For example if JR was complaining of waking up tired or waking up gasping for air, plus they exhibit other risk factors, then further sleep evaluation might be warranted.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 3.77% chose this answer, “Encourage JR to increase activity level, to decrease cardiovascular risk.” Encouraging activity to improve health is an important part of self-care coaching. However, in this case, since JR is complaining of “dizziness”, for safety, we might even back off a little from recommending activity until we determine the cause of JRs dizziness.
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 topic and more?
Did you miss the live conference? No worries! You can register now to watch on-demand
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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.
LS uses an insulin pump and CGM. Most recent report reveals LS is running 56% time in range and 44% above target range. LS asks for help with carb counting. A typical breakfast includes: ½ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter and 1 piece whole grain bread, 3 oz’s of grapes and one cup of black coffee with Splenda. LS’s insulin to carb ratio for breakfast is 1:12, for lunch and dinner is 1:15.
Based on this, how much insulin does LS need for breakfast?
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn more about this topic and more?
Did you miss the live conference? No worries! You can register now to watch on-demand
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: Your registration fee includes access to FREE podcast and all recorded webinars for one year.
Two Registration Options
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Deluxe Virtual Program for $459 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $359 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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.
How come so many vulnerable people living with type 1 diabetes aren’t using insulin pumps or CGMs?
This is the question Ashby Walker, Ph.D., Director for Health Equity Initiatives: University of Florida Diabetes Institute and colleagues, addressed in their recent study. This powerful research reveals the core issues behind why some of the most vulnerable communities with type 1 diabetes underuse the very technology that could contribute to improved diabetes self-care.
We interviewed Dr. Walker to provide additional insights into their findings and suggestions for the future.
In their groundbreaking study, “Barriers to Technology Use and Endocrinology Care for Underserved Communities with Type 1 Diabetes“, published in Diabetes Care, August 2021, we learn through the testimonies and experiences of people living with type 1 diabetes, the surprising reasons they have a lower rate of insulin pump and CGM use than those with higher income levels and generational opportunities.
This study captured data through focus groups from underserved communities by intentional recruitment efforts aimed at including perspectives of low SES and racially diverse people living with diabetes in Florida and California. In the Florida group, 43% used pumps and 38% used CGMs. In the California group, 69% used pumps and 63% used CGMs.
The study targeted higher-risk individuals who may not see endocrinologists on a regular basis and included those with type 1 diabetes and:
Question for Dr. Walker: When reviewing your study results, I was very surprised to discover that the most commonly identified barriers to technology use were related to information exchanged in face-to-face visits. How do you think we can best address this issue?
Raising awareness about this barrier is a critical first step as we must name something in order to address it. Addressing the issue will require multi-layered interventions.
First, industry and insurance-driven rules requiring conditions to be met prior to obtaining a devise (i.e. HbA1c under some threshold) creates barriers for providers as well as people living with diabetes and can erode communication in clinical encounters. Change at the policy-level is needed to address the issue.Second, provider-level interventions are needed to ensure that all individuals are given the opportunity to learn about available technologies in ways that minimize any implicit bias.
-Dr. Ashby Walker
In the study, participants shared that they were actively seeking to use technology to improve care, but were often blocked by the provider through discouraging feedback. They grasped the irony of wanting to improve glucose management but being hindered by their elevated A1cs.
Here are some participant quotes from the study:
“I have had my [endocrinologist] recommend that I get my A1C down below 7 before they will even attempt to let me use any kind of device [pump or CGM]. With my lifestyle and work and everything, the way it is, it’s super hard to manage diabetes as it is, which personally I think that would be a tool that would help me out a lot.” –Florida Focus Group Participant.
“I tried to get on the pump, and he [endocrinologist] told me I needed to lose weight and the only way I was going to get on a pump was to lose weight and to be in a lot of control.” –California Focus Group Participant.
Insulin pump therapy may be considered as an option for all adults and youth with type 1 diabetes who are able to safely manage the device.
Actually, if you read ADA Standard of Care 7 in its entirety, there is no mention of getting A1C or bodyweight to target before starting pump therapy and the same is true for CGM.
And, in the 2021 ADA Standards of Care, they acknowledge that the use of insulin pump therapy in the U.S. shows geographical variations, with pump therapy more commonly adapted by individuals of higher socioeconomic status as reflected by race/ethnicity, private health insurance, family income, and education.
Furthermore, the ADA calls out that these barriers need to be addressed to increase access to insulin pumps and other diabetes technology and decrease health disparities.
This research provides an opportunity to honestly reflect on how our face-face encounters make such an impact on an individual’s decision to seek ongoing care and collaborate with providers.
Question for Dr. Walker: What are some recommended communication approaches or examples so health care professionals can build trust and collaborate with high-risk populations living with type 1?
There must be intentional efforts to listen and learn from underserved communities living with diabetes on the part of health care professionals. We gather at scientific conferences and are accustomed to believing that degrees, credentials, and publications in high-impact journals give someone merit to impart wisdom, yet, we often overlook the invaluable expertise of the most important stakeholder: people living with diabetes.
Also, the use of advocates like community health workers and peer supporters in clinical counters and as a liaison between clinical encounters can reduce the shame and feelings of judgement and creates powerful pathways for social network support and information sharing.
Dr. Ashby Walker
How we communicate with people with diabetes make such an impact on their willingness to seek care.
I want to thank Dr. Walker and her team for the beauty of this study and the inclusion of lengthy, insightful testimonials from the participant focus groups, which clearly revealed some unexpected barriers for vulnerable individuals seeking diabetes care. These powerful stories reveal the emotional toll for those living with type I diabetes who are blocked from seeking to improve their well-being through the use of technology.
You can read the complete article here “Barriers to Technology Use and Endocrinology Care for Underserved Communities with Type 1 Diabetes“, published in Diabetes Care, August 2021.
If you would like to contact Dr. Ashby Walker, you can reach her via email at afwalker@ufl.edu.
Living with Type 1 can be Tough. Embark can Help!
Managing diabetes can be tough! Something that people rarely talk about is how tough type 1 diabetes can be and how many people find diabetes to be stressful and challenging.
That’s why we are excited to share an opportunity for people living with type 1 diabetes to join a new NIH-supported study that is part of a collaboration between T1D Exchange and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
I have had the pleasure of working as an Embark facilitator for the past year.
I can personally share with you that this program offers so much meaningful hands-on problem solving and support for those who join. Participants not only receive practical information but gain valuable insights into approaches for self-care.
I highly recommend this program to anyone with type 1 diabetes who is feeling frustrated and tired and ready to make changes with the help of a supportive team!
The program begins with a group workshop (8-12 adults with type 1 diabetes) (held virtually online on a Saturday), followed by online video group meetings and/or individual phone calls with either a psychologist or Certified Diabetes Educator.
The program interventions are strictly behavioral, meaning that participants will not be asked to change or try any new medications or devices.
Participants will receive gift cards for their time and there are no costs to you or to your insurance. There is no age limit to taking part, you just need to be 19 years or older!
If you know people living with type 1 diabetes, please share this information with them. Our hope is that they will be interested in learning more about this exciting new program.
Research Participants Needed:
Are you…
– An adult (19 years +)
– Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes for at least 1 year
– Unhappy with your recent Hemoglobin A1C of 7.5% or higher
– Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, “burned out” with living with diabetes
If you answered YES to the above questions, you may qualify to participate in EMBARK. The purpose of this study is to work compassionately to help you better manage your distress with diabetes and to reach your management goals.
Or you can call: 1-855-850-3599 (toll free) or email us at: embark@ucsf.edu. Thank you, UCSF EMBARK Team
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.
Our August 24th Question of the week quizzed test takers on thick calluses coupled with leg pain. 61% of respondents chose the correct answer. We thought that this was an important topic to discuss further, so we can pass on correct info to people living with diabetes.
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: JR has lived with type 1 diabetes for over twenty years. JR arrived in the clinic with thick calluses on both feet and complaints of calf pain when walking for more than 10 minutes. JR’s pulses are difficult to palpate.
What diagnosis best matches JR’s presentation?
Answer Choices:
As shown above, the most common choice was option 3, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 2, and finally option 4.
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer. If you want to learn more about lower extremities, we invite you to join our Virtual Course or check out our Level 2 Online Courses.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 15.33% chose this answer, “Peripheral polyneuropathy.” This juicy answer is tempting, however it does not match the symptoms detailed by JR. A person with peripheral polyneuropathy will typically complain of numbness, tingling and leg pain at night. They may also have thick calluses. However, there are two clues that indicate a mismatch between question and answer. JR is “complaining of calf pain when walking for more than 10 minutes with difficulty locating pulses.” These chief complaints indicate a different pathology. Keep reading to find out more.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 14.50% of you chose this answer, “Diabetes venous stasis syndrome.” This is another juicy answer with a made up condition that is designed to sound familiar. In general, with venous disease, pulses are still palpable since there is adequate blood flow to lower extremities. There are two clues that indicate a mismatch between question and answer. “JR is complaining of calf pain when walking for more than 10 minutes with difficulty locating pulses.” These chief complaints indicate a different pathology. Keep reading to find out more.
Answer 3 is correct. 60.64% of respondents chose this answer, “Peripheral arterial disease.” YES, this is the BEST answer. Great job. JR is exhibiting the classic signs of inadequate arterial blood flow to the lower extremities, or peripheral arterial disease. JR’s complaints of “calf pain when walking for more than 10 minutes with difficulty locating pulses” indicate poor arterial circulation and warrant referral to a provider for complete CV risk assessment.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 9.53% chose this answer, “Charcot foot.” This answer is tempting. Charcot foot is characterized by severe foot inflammation and structural collapse. Since JR is “complaining of calf pain when walking for more than 10 minutes with difficulty locating pulses”, these symptoms do not match the usual complaints associated with Charcot foot. Good try, see answer 3 for more info.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
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