Newly Updated Free Webinar: What We Say Matters: Language that Respects the Individual and Imparts Hope| Airs May 18th

What we say matters.

As educators, advocates, spouses, friends, and providers, our use of language can deeply affect the self-view of people living with diabetes every day.

Intentional communication is a powerful tool that can uncover trauma, identify barriers, and move both the provider and person with diabetes toward a greater understanding of the issues involved.

The language used in the health care setting is immensely important in determining trust, mutual respect, and meaningful long-term relationships.

Many people with diabetes have experienced injustice, trauma, marginalization, and are often struggling with feelings of shame and blame.

• Let’s lift people through our commitment to careful listening.
• Let’s choose the language that is person-centered and free from judgment.
• Let’s empower our interactions by identifying and addressing trauma and the impact of social determinants.

FREE Webinar – Lifting People Up

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Topics covered include:

• Learn phrases, words, and approaches that can be left behind.
• Describe diabetes language that is respectful, inclusive, person-centered, and imparts hope.
• Discuss how to evaluate for ACE and provide trauma-informed care
• Practice communicating about diabetes using phrases free from judgment with a focus on a strength-based approach.

This mini-webinar is free, and no CEs are provided, but there is lots of great info!

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Level 4 | Solving Glucose Mysteries for Type 2 | 1.5 CEs

Why are glucose levels elevated in the morning? When should insulin be started?  What is the next step to get A1c to target?

During this 60-minute course Coach Beverly addresses each of these glucose mysteries and more, using a person-centered approach.  She describes a stepwise approach to evaluate glucose patterns and correct common issues encountered by people living with type 2 diabetes.

By attending this webinar, you will gain confidence in evaluating glucose patterns and making recommendations for improvement.

Objectives

1. Describe common glucose mysteries encountered by people with type 2 diabetes.
2. Using a stepwise approach, evaluate factors affecting glucose patterns.
3. State interventions to increase time-in-range and improve quality of life.

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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.

Most of you, 73%, chose the best answer for our April 27th Question of the Week. Great job! We wanted to “take a closer look” into this question.

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 a 38 yr old who received a kidney transplant 3 months ago and has a GFR >60 and creatinine of 0.9.  JR takes prednisone 10mg daily as part of the post-transplant protocol. JR’s most recent A1c came back at 7.9% and the provider asks the Diabetes Specialist what intervention is recommended. 

Which of the following is the best response?

Answer Choices:

1. Refer to a kidney specialist for a thorough workup.
2. Encourage referral for medical nutrition therapy.
3. Evaluate if JR can cut the prednisone dose in half.
4. Instruct JR to start a very low-calorie diet to reverse hyperglycemia.

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 1, then option 3, and finally option 4.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, the content of this practice test question will set you up for success. The exam will present questions that require test takers to be familiar with identifying common diabetes co-conditions, screening guidelines and interventions.

Answers & Rationale

Answer 1 is incorrect, 13.05% chose this answer, “Refer to a kidney specialist for a thorough workup.” As many as 10-40% of solid organ transplant recipients develop post-transplant diabetes (PTDM). This is due to a combination of genetic susceptibility plus the anti-rejection medications, including steroid therapy (see slide below). Since JRs kidney function is terrific based on his GFR and creatinine, referring to a kidney specialist is not warranted. However, referring to DSME is high on the list of priorities.

Answer 2 is correct, 73.90% of you chose this answer, “Encourage referral for medical nutrition therapy.” YES, this is the BEST answer. For any person experiencing post-transplant diabetes, they will need a referral to an RD/RDN and DSME program to learn diabetes self-management strategies. They will also need medication therapy, but there is currently no standard treatment approach due to the complexities of mixing transplant medications with diabetes therapies. However, insulin therapy is a safe and effective option for those experiencing post-transplant hyperglycemia.

Answer 3 is incorrect, 11.23% of you chose this answer, “Evaluate if JR can cut the prednisone dose in half.” Prednisone therapy is a critical intervention to prevent post-transplant rejection. For this reason, maintaining prednisone therapy is a priority. Diabetes specialists can help determine strategies to keep glucose on target to prevent infection, support graft health and limit other complications.

Answer 4 is incorrect, 1.82% of you chose this answer, “Instruct JR to start a very low-calorie diet to reverse hyperglycemia.” To maintain graft function and quality of life post-transplant, a very low-calorie diet is not recommended. To address this JR’s treatment plan will include a combination of healthy eating, activity plus diabetes medications.

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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Want to learn more about this question and more?

Enroll in our Level 2 – Critical Assessment – Fine-Tuning your Diabetes Detective Skills – 2.0 CEs

Diabetes Education Services Online University Courses are an excellent way to study for your exam anytime and anywhere that is convenient for you. You will have immediate access to your courses for 1 year after your purchase date. Each individual online course includes a: 90-minute video presentation, podcast, practice test, and additional resources.

This course integrates the ADA Standard of Care on elements of a comprehensive medical assessment (Standard 4) of the individual living with prediabetes, diabetes, or hyperglycemia. Through case studies and real-life situations, we discover often hidden causes of hyperglycemia and other complications, such as liver disease, sleep apnea, pancreatitis, autoimmune diseases, fractures, and more. We delve into therapy for complicated situations and discuss management strategies for other conditions associated with hyperglycemia such as Cystic Fibrosis, and Transplants. Join us for this unique and interesting approach to assessing and evaluating the hidden complications of diabetes.

Topics Include:

• Identify common yet often underdiagnosed complications associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• State strategies to identify previously undiscovered diabetes complications during assessments.
• Discuss links between hyperglycemia and other conditions including, transplant, cystic fibrosis and liver disease.

Intended Audience:  A great course for healthcare professionals who want to learn the steps involved in providing a thorough lower extremity assessment.

Instructor: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM is a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert.

Can’t join live? No worries, we will record the webinar and post it to the Online University!

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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 new aqueous glucagon analog formulation has been FDA approved and should be available in pharmacies later this year.

Dasiglucagon (Zegalogue) is an effective, reliable treatment to increase glucose levels following insulin-induced hypoglycemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. This conclusion is based on a double-blind study recently published in Diabetes Care, April 2021.

This ready-to-use, next-generation formulation is approved for ages 6 or older. Subcutaneous injection sites include the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms. This prefilled syringe contains a stable liquid glucagon analog and can be stored for one year at room temperature.

The investigators report that dasiglucsagon treatment was well tolerated, with the usual adverse effects (nausea and vomiting) expected from glucagon treatment.

The dose of dasiglucagon is 0.6 mg to treat severe hypoglycemia in pediatrics over the age of 6 years and adults with diabetes. Download our Glucagon PocketCard to post and share with colleagues and people living with diabetes.

Keeping It Safe

As with all glucagon injections, dasiglucagon can cause nausea and vomiting. After the dose is administered, roll the person on the side and seek medical help. When awake, give oral carbohydrates ASAP when safe to swallow, and consult package insert for detailed guidelines!

Preventing Future Episodes of Hypoglycemia

Most importantly, encourage people experiencing a severe low blood sugar to determine the cause of the hypoglycemic event and implement strategies to prevent future lows. Our free Glucagon Card is the perfect teaching tool to help reinforce prevention and early action!

Saving lives

Thank you for helping get the word out about these rescue medications for severe hypoglycemia. This hormone injection saves lives and is a must-have for anyone living with type 1 diabetes or those with type 2 on intensive insulin therapy.

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Want to learn more about this topic? Join us for our

Level 4 | Solving Glucose Mysteries for Type 1 | 1.5 CEs | Recording & Ready for Viewing!

Why do the blood sugars keep dropping after meals? Is the basal insulin set correctly? What adjustments are needed for exercise?

During this 60 -90 minute webinar Coach, Beverly addresses each of these glucose mysteries and more, using a person-centered approach.  She describes a stepwise approach to evaluate glucose patterns and correct common issues encountered by people living with type 1 diabetes.

By attending this webinar, you will gain confidence in evaluating glucose patterns and making recommendations for improvement.

 Objectives

1. Describe common glucose mysteries encountered by people with type 1 diabetes.
2. Using a stepwise approach, evaluate factors affecting glucose patterns.
3. State interventions to increase time-in-range and improve quality of life.

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Join us for our Live Webinars

Including Brand New Specialty Courses!

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Can’t join live? No worries, we will record the webinar and post it to the Online University!

---

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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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.

Which of the following would most likely explain the A1c increase?

1. Carbohydrate bolus insulin omissions
2. Basal insulin rate set too high
3. Bolus insulin given 15 minutes before meal
4. CGM sensor malfunction

Click here to test your knowledge!

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Want to learn more about this topic? Join us for our

Level 4 | Solving Glucose Mysteries for Type 1 | 1.5 CEs |Recorded & Ready for Viewing!

Why do the blood sugars keep dropping after meals? Is the basal insulin set correctly? What adjustments are needed for exercise?

During this 60 -90 minute webinar Coach, Beverly addresses each of these glucose mysteries and more, using a person-centered approach.  She describes a stepwise approach to evaluate glucose patterns and correct common issues encountered by people living with type 1 diabetes.

By attending this webinar, you will gain confidence in evaluating glucose patterns and making recommendations for improvement.

 Objectives

1. Describe common glucose mysteries encountered by people with type 1 diabetes.
2. Using a stepwise approach, evaluate factors affecting glucose patterns.
3. State interventions to increase time-in-range and improve quality of life.

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Join us for our Live Webinars

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Can’t join live? No worries, we will record the webinar and post it to the Online University!

---

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.

May eNews  | Diabetes Ed Celebrates Nurses Week

Happy National Nurses Day and Week!

When I was considering college as a teenager, my dad offered me some simple advice, “Why don’t you become a nurse?” I rolled my eyes and said, “Nah, I am going to be a social worker.” Four years later, I stood proudly with my white cap and nursing pin securely fastened as an RN graduate.

As I reflect on my years in this noble profession, I have witnessed the most unselfish acts of love and pure heroism by my nursing colleagues. 2020 -2021 have been rough times for the four million nurses in the United States.

Nurses have not wavered from their commitment to providing care to even the sickest among us.

Like the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale, nurses are “Holding the Lamp” and shining it in dark places that are scary and unknown to provide comfort to those who need it most.

In this newsletter, we celebrate Nurses.

Has a nurse touched your life? Check out our blog on 5 ways you can show thanks. Did you know that in addition to founding nursing, Florence Nightingale was a statistics whiz? You can discover more about this trailblazer in the blog below.

This newsletter also offers a fresh perspective on using the plate method to encourage healthy eating while promoting the pleasure of eating.

Also, we all know that living with type 1 diabetes isn’t easy. We are hopeful that you can help us get the word out about a study geared toward not only supporting people with type 1 but providing them with excellent information and problem-solving coaching. Read more about the Embark Study below and thank you for sharing this unique opportunity with those living with type 1 diabetes.

Finally, we are excited to share an updated approach to managing diabetes in the hospital setting and encourage you to take a look at our question and rationale of the week.

Thank you nurses for the love and care you provide every day!

Coach Beverly, Bryanna, and Jackson

Click here to read our full May 2021 newsletter.

Featured Blogs

• Remembering the “Lady with the Lamp” on Nurses Week
• A Diabetes Nurse Takes a Fresh Look at the Plate Method
• Type 1 Diabetes can be Tough – Embark Can Help
• Hospital Diabetes Care Update
• Question of the Week- Type 1 & Surgery
• Rationale of the Week Mystery Condition

Featured Items

• New! Solving Glucose Mysteries for Type 1 Webinar | 1.0 CE – Recorded & Ready for Viewing!
• New! Solving Glucose Mysteries for Type 2 Webinar | 1.0 CE – May 19th
• New! Insulin Calculation Workshop | 1.0 CE – May 27th
• Preparing for CDCES FREE Webinar – July 8th
• Preparing for BC-ADM FREE Webinar – July 15th
• Free Resources Catalog

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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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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.

When I was considering college, my dad offered me some simple advice, “Why don’t you become a nurse?” I rolled my eyes and said, “Nah, I want to be a social worker.” Four years later, I stood proudly with my white cap and nursing pin securely fastened as an RN graduate.

As I reflect on my years in this noble profession, I have witnessed the most unselfish acts of love and pure heroism by my nursing colleagues. I have highlighted some top qualities that represent my gratitude, but this thank you list could encompass an entire page.

2020 – 2021 has been a tough year for the four million nurses in the United States. But they have not wavered from their commitment to providing care to even the sickest among us.

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Like the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale, you are all “Holding the Lamp” and shining it in dark places that are often scary and unknown to provide comfort to those with the greatest need.

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This week is a perfect time to let our nursing colleagues, mentors, professors, and friends know how much they are appreciated.

Coach Beverly thanks each nurse who has cared for me, held my hand, and reassured me that I am going to be okay.

5 Ways to Thank a Nurse

• Send them a handwritten note sharing how they helped you when you needed it most.
• A bundle of colorful flowers with a special note
• A basket of fruit or healthy snacks with a few sweet treats too!
• Sharing a heartfelt story on social media about how a nurse made an impact on your life.
• Letting their supervisor know how they provided you with care and comfort.
• Let a nurse mentor or teacher know how they impacted your life.

These are just a few ideas to get started. As you think of that special moment of gratitude, maybe you will come up with the perfect idea for that one special nurse.

With gratitude,

Coach Beverly

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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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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.

In preparation for the upcoming surgery, which of the following is an accurate statement?

1. Transition to insulin injections in preparation for surgery.
2. Maintain perioperative glucose between 80-110.
3. Stop empagliflozin (Jardiance) 3 days prior to surgery.
4. Reduce basal insulin by half the night before surgery.

Click here to test your knowledge!

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Want to learn more about this question and more?

Join us for our Upcoming Webinar

Basal/Bolus Therapy in Hospital 1.5 CEs
Recorded and Ready for viewing

Glucose control in the hospital matters! This course provides participants with a step-by-step approach to safely and effectively implement Basal Bolus Insulin Therapy in the inpatient setting. We discuss appropriate insulin dosing based on the person’s clinical presentation and apply dosing strategies to a variety of case studies. Included are hard-to-manage situations that commonly occur in hospital settings and a discussion of solutions that will keep people safe and get glucose levels to goal. In addition, sample basal/bolus and insulin drip guidelines plus lots of resource articles are included. 

Topics Include:

• Discussing appropriate insulin dosing based on the individual’s clinical presentation
• Applying dosing strategies to a variety of case studies
• Introduce hard-to-manage situations that commonly occur in hospital settings
• A discussion of solutions that will keep people safe and get glucose levels to goal
• Sample basal/bolus and insulin drip guidelines plus lots of resource articles are included

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Join us for our Live Webinar

Including Brand New Specialty Courses!

---

Can’t join live? No worries, we will record the webinar and post it to the Online University!

---

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.

May 6th kicks off the seven-day celebration of Nurses Week and culminates on May 12th, the birthday of the founder of the field of nursing, Florence Nightingale.

Florence established the first professional training school for nurses, the Nightingale Training School at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1860. The school is now part of King’s College London. She published over 200 books, reports, and pamphlets on hospital planning and organization which are still widely read and respected today. Her most famous work is pictured above, Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not which still offers nurses relevant content almost two centuries later.

In nursing school, Florence Nightingale‘s history was required reading. But, in my early twenties, I didn’t really grasp the significance of “the Lady with the Lamp” and her contributions until I visited the Florence Nightingale Museum in London, England.

My most meaningful experience as a tourist in London was my stop at the Florence Nightingale Museum.

Even 200 years after her birth, we are still building upon the messages and framework that Florence established. Florence had an aptitude for statistics and applied research. She quickly realized that the root of many diseases was the lack of access to clean water, decent working conditions, a safe living environment, healthy food, clean air, and sunshine. In order to improve the health of our communities, Florence campaigned to provide these most basic needs to all people.

Let us keep the light that Florence lit so long ago glowing as we honor and celebrate the over 4 million nurses in the United States.

Florence was ahead of her time

Florence was born in 1820 in Italy Florence Nightingale. Born in an era when middle-class women were expected to simply make a good marriage and raise a family, Florence sensed a ‘calling’ from God at an early age and believed she was destined to do something greater with her life.

At the age of 33 Florence convinced her parents to attend a 3-month ‘nursing’ training and soon she became superintendent of a hospital in London.

In 1854, Florence went to Turkey with 38 other “nurses” to provide care to suffering and wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. She quickly set about organizing the hospitals to improve supplies of food, blankets, and beds, as well as the general conditions and cleanliness.

The comforting sight of her checking on the soldiers at night earned her the name ‘Lady of the Lamp’, along with the undying respect of the British soldiers.

Florence was a champion of sanitation and handwashing. She was determined to avoid the medical mistakes she witnessed during her two-year-long service at the military hospital.

As a skilled statistician, she vividly communicated the need for medical reform using detailed charts which showed that more men had died from disease than from their wounds. She then instigated a Royal Commission into the health of the army which led to a large number of improvements and saved the lives of many.

Early Public Health Advocate

Her attention later turned to the health of the British army in India. Through careful research, she demonstrated that bad drainage, contaminated water, overcrowding, and poor ventilation were causing the high death rate.

She concluded that the health of the army and the people of India had to go hand in hand and so campaigned to improve the sanitary conditions of the country as a whole.

First Nursing School

The Nightingale Training School was established in 1860 in London using donations from the Nightingale Fund. Its reputation soon spread and Nightingale nurses were requested to start new schools all over the world, including Australia, America, and Africa.

Nursing students worked long days and their dorms were often located on the hospital site. Graduates became invaluable leaders in the areas of infection control, comfort, sanitation, and improving quality of life.

The Field of Nursing has Come a Long Way

During her lifetime, Florence Nightingale witnessed the development of the nursing profession and created a standardized curriculum for the development of new nurses. Almost 200 years later, our profession has flourished and taken a leadership role in hospitals, teaching institutions, clinics, public health, military, research, and more. Nurses are four million strong, with a big vision for the future coupled with the art of caring for each individual.

Hat’s off to our Founder and Trailblazer, Florence Nightingale. Our lights keep shining bright forever.

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Segments of this article were excerpted from Florence Nightingale Museum. Please feel free to enjoy their video stories and extensive information. And, if you go to London, make sure to stop by and let them know Beverly sent you!

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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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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.