Do Colombians Eat Hot Foods? Learn how to Crack the Cultural Code.
We are excited to share our guest blog post by multicultural nutrition expert, Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDCES. In addition to creating an amazing 6-week series that provides participants with tools, including live cook-alongs, that highlight the foods and traditions from the six largest Hispanic subgroups in the U.S. Lorena is a great story teller, plus, she is offering a $30 discount for her program series which starts November 2nd. Thanks Lorena for your sense of humor and your determination to get this spicy conversation going!
All Hispanic people like spicy foods, right?
Actually…
Funny story. I was eating a family-style meal with colleagues recently and took a bite from a dish that was spicy hot. I said, “Ooo – not for me. This is too hot.”
They looked at me and asked incredulously, “Aren’t you Latina?”
Yes, I am.
“Didn’t you grow up eating hot and spicy foods?”
No, I did not. I am Colombian.
“Don’t you eat hot foods in Colombia?”
No, we don’t. What we eat depends on the region in which you live. We have nine regions in Colombia, and I was raised in the Caribbean region. Therefore, the food that I tend to eat differs from the Pacific, Andean, Amazonian and other regions in the country.
We laughed over this, and a conversation about culture and food preferences ensued.
Join Lorena’s Webinar Series – Crack the Cultural Code. Starts Nov 2 – Save $30 with COACHBEV discount.
Many of us make assumptions about what our clients, including Hispanics, eat. What if you had a solid understanding of the food and culinary preferences of the six major Hispanic subgroups in the U.S.? You can! It’s time to Crack the Cultural Code!
The first—and only—training to address the food, nutrition and health of the 6 largest Hispanic subgroups in the U.S. kicks off November 2nd.
This 6-week program is for YOU; dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, and for all those who provide counseling to the Hispanic population and are asked, “what can I eat now?” Join us if you wish to improve healthcare outcomes for the Hispanic clients you serve who are at risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes. This program will provide you with the tools to counsel clients from the six largest Hispanic subgroups in the U.S. Improve health outcomes. Learn the nuances, food preferences and culinary know-how to confidently counsel your Hispanic clients.
Cost: $179 dollars – COACHBEV discount for $149 dollars
(COACHBEV cannot be added to other discount codes).
Register now: “Breaking the Cultural Code: How to Counsel the Hispanic Population, Featuring the Cultures and Cuisines of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, El Salvador, and Guatemala” 12 CEUs available
Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES
Lorena specializes in the multicultural aspects of diabetes self-management education and is an expert in developing culturally and ethnically oriented nutrition and diabetes education materials. She founded, Hispanic Foodways which received the New York City Small Business Award in 2006. She developed the Nutriportion™ Measuring Cups that has the calorie and carbohydrate amounts of common foods embossed on each cup and the Nutriportion™ Hispanic Food Cards that have pictures and nutrition composition of common Hispanic foods.
Lorena served on the American Association of Diabetes Educators board of directors from 2006-2010, Chair for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition. She was Past President of the Metropolitan New York Association of Diabetes Educators in 2004. Lorena won the Diabetic Living People’s Choice Award in 2012 and Latinos & Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition Trinko Award in 2016.
She is the author of the book Beyond Rice and Beans: The Caribbean Guide to Eating Well with Diabetes published by the American Diabetes Association. She is a contributing author and co-editor of the book Cultural Food Practices published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was print communications chair for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialty Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics from 2012-2015.
Read more here about Lorena and Cracking the Cultural Code
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!
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Rationale of Week | 90 years old and hungry. Best action?
Our October 12th Question of the week quizzed test takers on the best strategy for a 90-year-old who states “they feel hungry” all the time. 76% of respondents, chose the best answer. We are excited to share this rationale of the week, so you can advocate for 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: HM is living with type 2 diabetes and is 90 years old with a BMI of 32. HM’s most recent A1c was 9.6% and their GFR is 16. The provider stopped the metformin due to the diminished kidney function and HM is currently on no diabetes medications. To manage HM’s blood sugar, the provider ordered a low-calorie restrictive meal plan for HM. HM was a chef for 40 years and tells you, “they feel hungry” all the time. Based on this assessment, you decide to contact the provider.
Which of the following would be the best suggestion?
Answer Choices:
- Ask provider to add a bedtime snack to reduce hunger.
- Encourage HM to take a short walk after meals to reduce post prandial hyperglycemia.
- Reassure HM that limiting calories is the best plan to keep blood glucose on target.
- Contact provider with suggestion to start HM on once daily basal insulin.
As shown above, the most common choice was option 4, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 2, and finally option 3.
Getting to the Best Answer
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, it is helpful to know the goals of care and considerations for people with diabetes across the lifespan. 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” that seem so familiar to you, right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the to choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 11.13% chose this answer, “Ask provider to add a bedtime snack to reduce hunger.” While it is true that HM is hungry, a bedtime snack is not the best solution since it might contribute to already elevated blood sugars. We need to figure out a way to get blood glucose levels to goal while providing adequate nutrition.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 8.40% of you chose this answer, “Encourage HM to take a short walk after meals to reduce post prandial hyperglycemia.” Post meal walks are an excellent way to decrease post meal blood sugars, but they most likely won’t be enough to get HM out of glucose toxicity. Given that HM’s A1c is 9.6%, the average blood sugars are around 230 mg/dl. HM will need more than post meal jaunts to get blood glucose to target.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 4.30% of respondents chose this answer, “Reassure HM that limiting calories is the best plan to keep blood glucose on target.” In this situation, we need to consider quality of life issues. Given that HM is 90 years old and they were a chef, limiting calories to the point of hunger is not a strategy that considers HM’s needs, values and wants. A better approach would be to create a person-centered solution.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 76.17% chose this answer, “Contact provider with suggestion to start HM on once daily basal insulin.” YES, GREAT JOB. In this situation we requested that the provider start HM on 10 units of 70/30 insulin in the morning. This simple intervention will help HM in numerous ways:
- allows more food flexibility
- renal protection due to lower glucose levels
- decreased nerve pain
- increase HM’s energy
- improve HM’s quality of life.
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 about this question and more as you’re studying for the CDCES Exam?
Enroll in our CDCES Online Prep Bundle + 5th Ed ADCES Review Guide Book | 43 CEs
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
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!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Question of the Week | “My life is a mess”
JR is 26 years old with newly diagnosed diabetes. JR keeps missing appointments and when you finally get a hold of them on the phone, they start crying and say “my life is a mess”. JR is struggling with addiction, periods of houselessness and extra weight in addition to diabetes.
Based on this information, what is the most likely barrier to JR engaging in self-care?
- Adverse Childhood experiences (ACEs)
- JR is struggling with depression
- Diabetes distress is at the core of the listed behaviors
- Grieving and denial of diabetes diagnosis
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn about this question?
Join Coach Bev for an honest conversation on
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health | 1.0 CE
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and a variety of other health consequences for adults. This session reviews how diabetes care and education specialists can provide screening, assessment, and trauma-informed care to individuals who experienced ACEs and are living with toxic stress. We will explore strategies to address ACES and improve outcomes for individuals and communities. Throughout, we will focus on supporting self-care with a focus on recognizing and promoting resilience.
Topics include:
- Discuss the benefits of assessing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in individuals with diabetes.
- State the relationship between ACE Scores and risk of future health complications.
- Describe a person-centered approach to fostering resilience and self-care for individuals with toxic stress.
- Identify two strategies to provide trauma-informed care in your work setting.
2 Ways to Join the Webinar
Watch Webinar for FREE
This option does not come with CEs.
Purchase for $19
This includes access to the recorded version of this webinar on your Online University Student Portal and 1.0 CE.
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in enhancing their diabetes medication knowledge.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
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!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]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.
A Story of Trauma, Resilience & Hope with Coach Beverly
Like many health care professionals, I live with the shadows of early childhood trauma. We all manage these painful childhood events in different ways and their impact may only be discovered as we move into adulthood or even later in life. Recognizing and acknowledging our trauma and the trauma of the people we serve is an important first step toward healing.
As diabetes specialists, our awareness of trauma and toxic stress can lead to providing more informed and compassionate care. As health care providers, we may misperceive a person’s no-show or negative attitude as a sign that they don’t care about their diabetes self-care or the health consequences. With some exploration, we may gain a better understanding of the shadows that are blocking their path forward.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are common. At least two-thirds of people living in the U.S. have experienced one ACE and over 15% have experienced 4 or more.
Furthermore, a dose-response relationship exists: as the number of adverse experiences increases so does the risk of problems from childhood through adulthood.
These childhood traumas can lead to toxic stress which, over time, can change the biology of our body and increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and more.
People with elevated ACE scores are more likely to experience a variety of mental health issues, which is not surprising given their painful, confusing, and unsafe childhoods. Based on sound research by the CDC and Kaiser, they are also more likely to suffer from physical diseases, like heart attack and stroke, diabetes, and cancer. They are more likely to break bones and experience unintended pregnancies.
There is hope for healing. Diabetes specialists can make a difference. Through the use of screening tools and careful listening to the words and body language of the individuals we serve, we can start the movement toward healing and collaborative working relationships.
Join Coach Bev for an honest conversation on
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health: A Personal Story of Resilience & Hope with Coach Beverly
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and a variety of other health consequences for adults. This session reviews how diabetes care and education specialists can provide screening, assessment, and trauma-informed care to individuals who experienced ACEs and are living with toxic stress. We will explore strategies to address ACES and improve outcomes for individuals and communities. Throughout, we will focus on supporting self-care with a focus on recognizing and promoting resilience.
Topics include:
- Discuss the benefits of assessing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in individuals with diabetes.
- State the relationship between ACE Scores and risk of future health complications.
- Describe a person-centered approach to fostering resilience and self-care for individuals with toxic stress.
- Identify two strategies to provide trauma-informed care in your work setting.
Can’t join us live?
Don’t worry, we will send you a link to the recorded version.
Want to learn more about ACEs and Healing?
ADCES National Virtual Meeting – Ready for Viewing
California Coordinating ADCES Chapter – September 30, 2021 at 4:45pm PST
Diabetes Ed Services Webinars – airs October 27th at 11:30 am PST
Resources
ACE Screening Tool and Resilience Inventory
Becoming ACE-Aware Training Program
Nadine Burke Harris, MD TED Talk on How Childhood Trauma affects health
NPR Article – Take the ACE Score and Learn what it does and doesn’t mean
Trauma-Informed Care Fact Sheet
Why should I care about my number?
CDC Vital Signs – Impact of ACES
CDC Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report on ACEs – 2019
What happened to you? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing – authors Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
Enroll in our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program!
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:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator
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:
- Presentations by our team of experts
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
- State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session
- Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
- Diabetes Educator Course 2021 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
- DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard and Pen
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:
- Presentations by our team of experts
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
- State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session
- Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.
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!
Bonus Courses worth 12+ CEs, FREE
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
- Test Taking Toolkit – Over 200 sample test questions!
- Level 2 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Hyperglycemic Crisis, DKA and HHS Standards 1.0 CEs
- Level 2 – Meds Management Update for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – From Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Older Adults and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter – 1.0 CE
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!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Question of Week | 90 years old and hungry. Best action?
HM is living with type 2 diabetes and is 90 years old with a BMI of 32. HM’s most recent A1c was 9.3% and their GFR is 16. The provider stopped the metformin due to the diminished kidney function and HM is currently on no diabetes medications. To manage HM’s blood sugar, the provider ordered a low-calorie restrictive meal plan for HM. HM was a chef for 40 years and tells you, “they feel hungry” all the time. Based on this assessment, you decide to contact the provider.
Which of the following would be the best suggestion?
- Ask provider to add a bedtime snack to reduce hunger.
- Encourage HM to take a short walk after meals to reduce post prandial hyperglycemia.
- Reassure HM that limiting calories is the best plan to keep blood glucose on target.
- Contact provider with suggestion to start HM on once daily basal insulin.
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn about this question and more as you’re studying for the CDCES Exam?
Enroll in our CDCES Online Prep Bundle + 5th Ed ADCES Review Guide Book | 43 CEs
This bundle includes our CDCES Online Prep Bundle (featured above) plus the ADCES Review Guide – 5th Edition-Revised. The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus two bonus courses. The ADCES Review Guide offers over 480+ practice questions and is a fantastic independent study tool and comprehensive resource for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Exam.
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!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]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.
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health: A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope with Coach Beverly
Join us live on October 27th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for our Level 4 | The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health | 1.0 CE
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and a variety of other health consequences for adults. This session reviews how diabetes care and education specialists can provide screening, assessment, and trauma-informed care to individuals who experienced ACEs and are living with toxic stress. We will explore strategies to address ACES and improve outcomes for individuals and communities. Throughout, we will focus on supporting self-care with a focus on recognizing and promoting resilience.
Topics include:
- Discuss the benefits of assessing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in individuals with diabetes.
- State the relationship between ACE Scores and risk of future health complications.
- Describe a person-centered approach to fostering resilience and self-care for individuals with toxic stress.
- Identify two strategies to provide trauma-informed care in your work setting.
2 Ways to Join the Webinar
Watch Webinar for FREE
This option does not come with CEs.
Purchase for $19
This includes access to the recorded version of this webinar on your Online University Student Portal and 1.0 CE.
Intended Audience: This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes educators, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in enhancing their diabetes medication knowledge.
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.
*Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist® and CDCES® are registered marks owned by NCBDE. The use of DES products do not guarantee successful passage of the CDCES® exam. NCBDE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES® exam, except for those published by NCBDE.”
Question of Week | Can diabetes impact sexual health?
JR is a 33-year-old who is non-binary and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. During your assessment, JR asks if diabetes can affect their sexual health.
What is the best response?
- That is a complicated question that is best discussed with your provider
- Here is a pamphlet on LGBTQ issues and sexuality that explains the most frequently asked questions.
- According to the data, there is a higher rate of erectile dysfunction in people living with diabetes.
- There is a relationship between elevated blood sugars and sexual health.
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn more about this topic and more?
Enroll in our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program!
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:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator
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:
- Presentations by our team of experts
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
- State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session
- Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
- Diabetes Educator Course 2021 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
- DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard and Pen
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:
- Presentations by our team of experts
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
- State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session
- Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.
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!
Bonus Courses worth 12+ CEs, FREE
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
- Test Taking Toolkit – Over 200 sample test questions!
- Level 2 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Hyperglycemic Crisis, DKA and HHS Standards 1.0 CEs
- Level 2 – Meds Management Update for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – From Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Older Adults and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter – 1.0 CE
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!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
Rationale of the Week | Intensive Insulin Therapy with A1c 6.2%
Our September 21st Question of the week quizzed test takers on Intensive Insulin Therapy with A1c 6.2%. Three quarters (74%) of respondents, chose the best answer. We are excited to share info so you can pass on correct info to people living with diabetes and your colleagues.
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: HR is a 78-year-old with a stroke and limited cognition with diabetes for 8 years and is on intensive insulin therapy: HR takes bolus insulin at meals and basaglar at night. HR has an A1c is 6.2% and employs a part time caretaker.
What is the best response in this situation?
Answer Choices:
- Start HR on an insulin pump and CGM to prevent hypoglycemia.
- Discuss de-intensifying insulin regimen.
- Using a strength-based approach, reinforce the importance of keeping the A1c less than 7%.
- Evaluate for diabetes related distress.
As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 4, then option 1, and finally option 3.
Getting to the Best Answer
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, it is helpful to know the goals of care and considerations for people with diabetes across the lifespan. 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” that seem so familiar to you, right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the to choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 8.20% chose this answer, “Start HR on an insulin pump and CGM to prevent hypoglycemia.” This is not the best answer because we want to provide person-centered care based on the unique situation of this individual. HR has a history of a stroke, limited cognition and relies on a part time caregiver. It doesn’t seem realistic to provide pump and CGM training to HR given the cognitive limitations and the caregiver is only part-time. It is unlikely that the two of them would be comfortable enough or have the skill level to help oversee this complex technology and changing insertion sites.
Answer 2 is correct. 74.17% of you chose this answer, “Discuss de-intensifying insulin regimen.” YES. This is the best answer. Since HR is on multiple daily injections and has an A1c in the low 6% range, we know they are most likely experiencing episodes of hypoglycemia. To address this, we would need to discuss goals of care with HR and their caregivers and share our concerns about the risk and danger of hypoglycemia. We need to de-intensify this management plan. Based on the outcome of the discussion with HR, this could be accomplished by: reducing the overall insulin dose, switching to twice a day 70/30 insulin, or evaluating if oral medications could be trialed to reduce the need for insulin.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 6.46% of respondents chose this answer, “Using a strength-based approach, reinforce the importance of keeping the A1c less than 7%.” Using a strength-based approach is always a good idea, but the main issue in this question is that HR’s A1c is only 6.2%. According to the ADA Standards of Care, the A1c target in this situation would be individualized based on safety considerations, quality of life, and the goals and values of the person living with diabetes. For older, frail individuals at risk of hypoglycemia, a safer A1c target would be 7% – 8%.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 11.17% chose this answer, “Evaluate for diabetes-related distress.” Even though it is always important to consider people’s emotional response to diabetes, this answer does not address the key issue presented in this question. The first priority would be to make sure HR is safe, with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia and a realistic insulin regimen.
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!
Enroll in our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Program!
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:
- Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
- Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
- Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator
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:
- Presentations by our team of experts
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
- State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session
- Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
- Diabetes Educator Course 2021 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
- DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard and Pen
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:
- Presentations by our team of experts
- Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar
- State-of-the-art review of current diabetes care and technology.
- Resources for each session
- Access to FREE podcast and recorded webinars within a week of each live session for one full year.
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!
Bonus Courses worth 12+ CEs, FREE
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
- Test Taking Toolkit – Over 200 sample test questions!
- Level 2 – Assessing and Promoting Well-Being: From Population Health to a Person-Centered Approach 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Hospital and Hyperglycemia 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Hyperglycemic Crisis, DKA and HHS Standards 1.0 CEs
- Level 2 – Meds Management Update for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Setting up a Successful Diabetes Program 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Pregnancy and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – From Tots to Teens – Diabetes Standards 1.5 CEs
- Level 2 – Older Adults and Diabetes 1.5 CEs
- Mindfulness and Compassion in the Diabetes Encounter – 1.0 CE
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
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[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since these programs are approved by the CDR it satisfies the CE requirements for the CDCES regardless of your profession.*
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
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