For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what steps to address an elevated A1C. 56% 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: KT is a 17-year-old with newly diagnosed diabetes and an A1C of 13.6%. The provider starts KT on 30 units of basal insulin and 10mg empagliflozin (Jardiance). KT is asked to get C-peptide levels checked and their C-peptide level is 0.9 ng/mL.
Based on this information, what is the next most important step?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 20.78% chose this answer. “Add bolus insulin and stop empagliflozin.” Since KT’s c-peptide level is 0.9ng/mL, it is between the normal range of 0.5 and 2.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). This means there is no urgent need to start KT on basal bolus insulin therapy, as long as we have basal insulin on board and we are monitoring blood glucose levels. According to ADA Standards, we can continue both the basal insulin and Jardiance and even consider adding metformin or a pediatric approved GLP-1 RA. Once we have the type 1 antibody results, we can determine best path forward.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 14.29% of you chose this answer. “Discuss the importance of starting CGM.” While it is important to monitor glucose levels, this is not the MOST important next step. To determine if KT has type 1 diabetes, we quickly need to evaluate if they are experiencing autoimmunity by testing for these; autoantibodies to insulin, GAD, islet antigen 2, ZnT8. If one or more of these comes back positive, it verifies KT has immune mediated type 1 diabetes and has a clear indication for basal bolus insulin therapy.
Answer 3 is correct. About 56.40% of respondents chose this. “Evaluate auto immune markers.” YES, GREAT JOB. This is the best answer. Since KT’s C-peptide is within the normal range, we need to evaluate immune markers. To determine if KT has type 1 diabetes, we quickly need to evaluate autoimmunity by testing for; autoantibodies to insulin, GAD, islet antigen 2, ZnT8. If one or more of these comes back positive, it verifies KT has immune mediated type 1 diabetes and is an indication for basal bolus insulin therapy.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 8.53% chose this answer. “Decrease basal insulin and start metformin.” Given that KT’s C-peptide is in normal range, we certainly could consider adding metformin and decreasing basal insulin. However, KT may still be in the honey moon phase and may be producing some insulin. For this reason, to determine if KT has type 1 diabetes, we quickly need to evaluate autoimmunity by testing for; autoantibodies to insulin, GAD, islet antigen 2, ZnT8. If one or more of these comes back positive, it verifies KT has immune mediated type 1 diabetes and is an indication for basal bolus insulin therapy.
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!
In this exciting webinar, Coach Beverly walks participants through the “Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes” as outlined by the most recent American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes guidelines. She kicks it off with a brief overview of the different classes of medications and then uses a case study approach to apply the ADA algorithm.
Objectives:
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our Level 2 | Meds Management Update for Type 2 Diabetes awards 1.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.
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.
ST is a 56-year-old presenting for MNT and diabetes education. Their last A1c was 7.4%, and they are currently taking 1000 mg of Metformin and 10 mg of empagliflozin daily for glucose management. They recently read that a very low-carbohydrate eating pattern can help individuals with type 2 diabetes reduce A1C and the need for additional medications and are motivated to implement diet changes.
What would be your primary considerations and guidance in response to ST?
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
With the publication of the ADA Standards of Care, Coach Beverly embarks on the yearly arduous yet rewarding task of updating our Cheat Sheet Library! As part of the new CDR Accreditation requirements, handouts and slides used as part of the educational courses and resources have to be free of commercial bias and be “logo-free.” The CDR Accrediting Committee ensures that participants attending live or online training programs are presented with content free of conflict of interest, based on evidence, and without brands, ads, and logos.
We are proud to meet the rigorous standards set by the CDR Accreditation Committee and have a 25-year history of intentionally avoiding conflict of interest by not accepting contributions or funds from diabetes-related companies or industries and creating original materials.
ADA Standards of Care 2, Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes include additional details on screening for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and diabetes in pregnancy, which is captured in our Diagnosis and Classification Cheat Sheet. The diagnostic testing methods and criteria, remained the same as in past years, with an increased emphasis on using A1C as the preferred diagnostic tool, given its accessibility, greater convenience (fasting not required), greater preanalytical stability, and fewer day-to-day perturbations during stress, changes in nutrition, or illness.
Immunization Schedule for People with Diabetes 2025
This chart details the types of vaccines, when, and how often they are recommended for people with diabetes. There were two new additions this year. A single RSV dose is recommended for those 60 years and older and the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are suggested starting at six months of age.
This standard emphasized reminding people with diabetes to avoid the live attenuated influenza vaccine and it included additional clarification on the pneumonia vaccines.
Feel free to download and share these info sheets and share with colleagues and people living with diabetes!
This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the annual updates to the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provides critical teaching points & content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care & education.
Topics:
Can’t make it live? No worries. We will send post the recorded version to the Online University within 24 hours of the broadcast
Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, has been Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management for over 20 years. She is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF, a working educator, and a nationally recognized diabetes expert. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a focus on behavioral health and education.
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Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
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.
by Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES
Sleep is associated with both physical and mental well-being. Yet, about one-third of the US population regularly experiences sleep disruptions.1 Sleep dysregulation is associated with an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and elevated A1C levels for individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recognizing this, the 2025 ADA Standards of Care calls out the importance of screening for sleep health and promoting healthy habits. Through a gentle SHH, Diabetes Care and Education Specialists can address sleep health as a vital component of diabetes care, through Screening for sleep disorders, providing Help, and supporting the cultivation of effective sleep Habits.
Healthy sleep is defined by adequate duration, quality, timing, regularity, and the absence of sleep disorders.3 Among these, sleep quantity has the most substantial evidence linked to health outcomes. As diabetes educators, we can incorporate sleep health into routine care by asking simple, open-ended questions such as:
These questions provide a quick snapshot, but for deeper understanding, validated tools such as the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, or Epworth Sleepiness Scale are used to evaluate sleep patterns, quality, and daytime sleepiness.3
Additionally, consumers and providers can use wearable technology such as fitness trackers and smart apps to provide data on sleep schedules and efficiency. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can occur in greater than 50% of individuals with type 1 diabetes and 24-86% of individuals with type 2 diabetes1. If sleep disorders such as OSA are suspected, questionaries such as the STOP-Bang help identify risks and referral for sleep study as indicated. For individuals with OSA, CPAP therapy and GIP and GLP1-RA medications may improve glycemia and reduce CVD risk.
Addressing sleep disturbances requires practical, evidence-based strategies. Assessment and interventions that prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia and address fear of hypoglycemia can improve sleep hygiene for individuals with diabetes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) helps individuals sleep better by identifying and changing thoughts and behaviors that make sleeping difficult. It is considered a first-line, evidence-based treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing disruptions.2 This approach focuses on behavioral strategies such as:
This intervention has shown promise in individuals with diabetes, improving sleep outcomes and glycemic management and empowering individuals to improve sleep health. As diabetes educators, we can work with providers to obtain referrals to licensed sleep therapists or online CBT-I programs, which may offer accessible and structured support.
Pharmacological options may be considered if sleep issues persist despite behavior changes. However, these options should be carefully evaluated for side effects and the risk of dependency. Combining pharmacological approaches with sleep education—emphasizing good sleep hygiene, creating a bedtime routine, and identifying triggers for poor sleep—can offer comprehensive support.
Exploring personalized sleep habits may impact the health of individuals with diabetes. Consider habits such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting screen time in the evening, assessing the sleep environment, and minimizing disruptions, such as noise or light, can also promote better sleep quality. Through a gentle SHH, Diabetes Care and Education Specialists can address sleep health as a vital component of diabetes care, through Screening for sleep disorders, providing Help, and supporting the cultivation of effective sleep Habits.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on avoiding Thanksgiving post meal elevation. 78% 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: JR is excited about enjoying Thanksgiving with family but is a little worried about post-Thanksgiving meal blood sugar elevations. JR takes 1 unit bolus insulin for every 10 gms of carb, with a correction factor of 1 unit for every 50 points above 120, plus 23 units of basal insulin at night. For Thanksgiving JR plans to eat:
If JR’s blood Sugar is 173 before the meal, what is the best approach?
Answer Choices:
Answer 1 is incorrect. 11.11% chose this answer. “Decrease carbs by half and increase intake of high fiber vegetables.” Although it is always a great idea to start the meal with high fiber foods to help regulate post meal glucose, we are not big fans of asking JR to reduce their carb intake by half on Thanksgiving. As long as JR takes adequate bolus insulin before the meal, they can enjoy Aunt Martha’s mashed potatoes and some of their favorite stuffing too.
Answer 2 is correct. 78.10% of you chose this answer. “Take about 7-8 units bolus insulin before the meal.” YES, this is the best answer. Trying to gauge exactly how much carbs is in a holiday meal is challenging, but it appears that this meal contains about 65-80 gms of carb. Since JR takes 1 unit of insulin for every 10 gms of carb, they will need about 7-8 units of insulin to cover this holiday feast.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 3.59% of respondents chose this. “Increase basal the night before to prevent post meal elevation.” This isn’t the best answer, because increasing the basal the night before might cause morning hypoglycemia and isn’t designed to cover post meal elevations.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 7.19% chose this answer. “Take bolus insulin after meal based on blood sugar response.” Since JR is worried about post meal glucose elevations, the most effective strategy to prevent that from happening is to take the insulin bolus at least 15 minutes before the meal.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 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!
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.
KT is a 17-year-old with newly diagnosed diabetes and an A1C of 13.6%. The provider starts KT on 30 units of basal insulin and 10mg empagliflozin (Jardiance). KT is asked to get C-peptide levels checked and their C-peptide level is 0.9 ng/mL.
Based on this information, what is the next most important step?
Our FREE webinars will help you discover the steps required to become a CDCES and will transform your test anxiety into calm self-confidence and test-taking readiness.
If you are a health care professional considering becoming a CDCES and want to learn more about eligibility and benefits of joining the Diabetes Education Community, this FREE webinar is for YOU. Coach Beverly will provide clarification on requirements, exam content, and study strategies to prepare for success.
We will review examination process, sample test questions, and the reasoning behind choosing the BEST answers.We will review examination process, sample test questions, and the reasoning behind choosing the BEST answers.
Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician, and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years and has successfully passed the CDCES exam six times. As president and founder of Diabetes Education Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.
“Becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is one of the best professional and personal decisions I have ever made.” – Coach Beverly Thomassian
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.
The holiday season can be stressful and throw us off our normal routine. This can compromise sleep and disrupt usual eating habits. In addition, it can trigger feelings of distress and self-doubt for people with diabetes if blood sugars go outside of goal range.
To help everyone feel their best during this holiday season, we have created a handout that highlights ten strategies to survive the holiday commotion. And even if all ten aren’t possible, just pick one or a few to try out. In addition, we have compiled a list of strategies to help reframe and reset when individuals are experiencing feelings of diabetes distress.
These Cheat Sheets have lots of helpful tips that you can print and share with your friends, participants, and colleagues!
1. Be a sleep warrior – People living in the United States are chronically underslept. Not getting enough sleep is associated with increased hunger, higher blood sugars, poor concentration, frequent illness, and impaired problem-solving. Make sure to give yourself the gift of at least 7 hours of sleep a night. This sleep will help you make the best choices for your health and will protect against illness and fatigue. You got this.
Goal: Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. You deserve it.
2. Keep active – Holidays can put our exercise plans to the test, but we have a few ideas for you. Take an after-meal stroll instead of plopping on the couch. After meal walks lower post-meal blood sugars and increases energy by getting muscles activated. Just 10 minutes of walking after meals can make a big difference. You can even put music on and have a small dance session, anything to get your body moving.
Goal: Work toward 30 minutes of activity a day.
3. Don’t forget the Fiber – With all the snacks and tempting foods, whole healthy foods may take a back seat. Enjoy the abundance of seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains that are fiber-rich and that decrease inflammation. Examples include; yams, squash, mandarin oranges, almonds, pistachios, quinoa, kale, brown rice, warm oatmeal, salads, and broth-based soups.
Goal: Strive to eat at least 25gms of fiber a day.
4. Enjoy the ultimate beverage – H20. Water is the perfect way to keep hydrated, replenished, and keeps appetite in check. Add a splash of flavor with a jigger of fruit juice or fresh cucumbers, lime slices, or a sprig of rosemary. Be creative. Sparkling waters come in a vast variety of flavors, are calorie-free, and contain no artificial sweeteners.
Goal: Keep hydrated by enjoying plenty of water.
5. Keep an eye on alcohol – While it’s true that red wine offers a beneficial anti-inflammatory compound called resveratrol, drinking too much alcohol can lead to unintended outcomes. Studies show that we make poorer food choices if alcohol is on board. This can offer special challenges in party settings, where temptations are abundant. A drink of alcohol contains about 100 calories and mixed drinks have even more. In addition, alcohol can lead to low blood sugars, especially for those taking insulin or sulfonylureas.
Goal: Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.
6. You are already sweet enough – Holidays and sugar go hand in hand. If possible, try and eat less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar (does not include natural sugars found in fruit and milk). This goal may not be realistic on all days, but aim for success most of the time. Excess sugar intake can cause inflammation and buildup of fat in the liver. One strategy is to limit sugar intake during the day and save your 6 teaspoons for that special dessert or parties. When looking at labels, it is helpful to know that 1 teaspoon equals 4 gms of sugar.
Goal: Limit sugar to 6 teaspoons a day.
7. Your teeth need extra special attention – Taking care of our teeth and gums improves health. Gum inflammation is associated with blood vessel inflammation. Swollen gums can also lead to an increase in blood sugars. During the holidays, find time for regular oral hygiene. Your mouth (and dental team) will thank you.
Goal: Brush teeth at twice daily and floss at least once daily.
8. Keep connected to friends and family who love you just the way you are! – As enjoyable as holidays can be, reuniting with family can also cause stress and stir-up emotions. Feeling out of sorts can lead to stress eating and decrease self-care. If possible, reach out to a trusted friend to share your feelings or keep a holiday journal. Consider bringing a favorite book along during your travels that you find inspiring and comforting. Give yourself permission to steal away for some quiet time.
Goal: Self-care is important during the holidays.
9. Enjoy an Oxygen Cocktail – Studies show that when humans venture into natural outdoor settings, heart rate and blood pressure improve. Take a moment to appreciate the feeling of the air on your skin, take a deep breath of fresh air, try to find nests in leafless trees, listen to the animal sounds and bird songs and just enjoy that moment.
Goal: Step into nature daily.
10. Take inventory of things that you are grateful for – Find a moment each day to reflect on a few things that brought you joy or good feelings. Maybe it was your cousin who lent you her favorite sweater. Or an Aunt who gave you the best hug. Special moments with a best friend or an after-dinner walk enjoying the fall leaves. These small moments of connection and beauty are one of the most treasured gifts of the holiday season that linger in our hearts and memory long after we say our goodbyes.
Goal: Take note of special moments.
Click here to download 10 Steps to Survive the Holidays PDF – a great handout that includes the info above to print and share with your friends, patients, and colleagues!
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″]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.”**To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). CBDCE does not approve of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.”
In celebration of National Diabetes Month, DiabetesEd Services is hosting a T-shirt and Book Give Away! We’d love to hear what you’ll be doing to observe this important month—share your plans with us, and we may feature your response! Submissions due by Nov 29th!! Thank you and we appreciate your participation. Be sure to take a moment to explore our website for resources designed to support Diabetes Educators!
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Diabetes Education Services offers education and training to diabetes educators in the areas of both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes for the novice to the established professional. Whether you are training to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), practicing at an advanced level and interested in board certification, or a health care professional and/or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) who needs continuing education hours to renew your license or CDCES, we have diabetes education information, resources and training; learning and teaching tools; and diabetes online courses available for continuing education (CE). Read our disclaimer for full disclosure.