We are so excited to announce our DiabetesEd Specialist Scholarship Recipients!
We received dozens of applications for our annual Making a Difference Scholarship and the Flower Scholarship gifted from an anonymous donor! It was a great personal joy for our team to read these scholarship applications. Each applicant is serving communities with a great need and going “above and beyond” to promote and provide accessible diabetes care and education. It is always a very difficult decision for all of the judges, and we read each application in careful detail considering the financial need, impact, volunteerism, and readiness to take the CDCES exam.
We greatly appreciate the good work of all the applicants and thank them for their service!
This year we are offered 3 Scholarship Options for our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference, October 6-8, 2021.
Congratulations Chantel Wade, his year’s Flower Scholarship Recipient!
Chantel Wade is the recipient of our “Flower Scholarship.” Chantel is an ambulatory RN and the lead in the Patient Education Department at her local health center. There she serves a diverse population of individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, seeing many people who are on Medicare, Medi-Cal or are uninsured. She uses a hands-on, interactive approach with those she works with; she is committed to meeting people where they are by creating custom care plans that meet their individual needs. Outside of work, she is active in her local Fellowship Church and other organizations where she volunteers her time and expertise to offer pre-diabetes and diabetes education.
Congratulations Keira McCrary, “Making a Difference Exemplar Scholarship” Recipient!
Keira McCrary is the recipient of our “Making a Difference Exemplar Scholarship” because of her dedication to her community. Keira works as a Registered Dietician who provides direct care services to Native American tribal communities in her area. In her work, she supports people living with diabetes through all stages of life with programs such as home meal delivery for elder tribal members and the Native Youth Preventing Diabetes Organization. Through Native Youth Preventing Diabetes Organization Keira assists in the education of tribal youth in the areas of diabetes prevention, nutritional education, physical activity, behavioral health, and more. She also creates user-friendly tools for those she works with such as informational “how-to” diabetes-friendly recipe videos and a weekly newsletter.
Congratulations Logan Mumphrey, “Making a Difference Scholarship” Recipient!
Logan Mumphrey is our second recipient of our “Making a Difference Scholarship” for many reasons! Logan is currently working towards his MSN/FNP and has worked as the primary nurse and clinical coordinator for transgender health services helping to build the program from the ground up. This program provides gender-affirming care that goes beyond hormone therapy including care navigation, surgery coordination, assistance with identity document changes, peer support, and much more. Logan is passionate about diabetes care and education and hopes that by becoming a CDCES, it will allow him to provide more support for those he works with so they can manage their diabetes with a gender-affirming lens.
This year we are offered 3 Scholarship Options which include:
The goal of these scholarships are three-fold:
JR has lived with type 1 diabetes for over twenty years. JR arrived in the clinic with thick calluses on both feet and complaints of calf pain when walking for more than 10 minutes. JR’s pulses are difficult to palpate.
What diagnosis best matches JR’s presentation?
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn more about this topic and more?
Whether you are new to diabetes or a seasoned expert, you’ll benefit from this virtual conference with the latest research plus critical content that you can immediately apply to your clinical practice.
If you are seeking a state-of-the-art review of current diabetes care, this course is for you. Our team has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years, and we know what you need. This program can also be a great addition to your CDCES or BC-ADM exam study plan.
Team of expert faculty includes:
In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
CEs: Includes over 30 CEs
Program Info: 2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Speakers: View Conference Faculty.
Dates: October 6-8. Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. YourRegistration 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 $499 includes:
+Plus Syllabus, Standards and Swag:
Syllabus and Bonus Items Shipping Notice for Deluxe Virtual Conference: Our company is based in California, so if you live toward the east coast it can take more than 5 business days for the book to arrive. Please purchase the conference with syllabus no later than Tuesday, Sept 28th to ensure delivery in time for the conference.
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | Oct. 6-8 | 30+ CEs
Basic virtual program for $399 includes:
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Team of Experts: Our team of expert faculty has been fine-tuning this course for over fifteen years and we know what you need to succeed! In addition to informative lectures, we also use group activities and case studies to highlight the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed in diabetes education today!
When you register for our Virtual Course, you have immediate access to these Bonus DiabetesEd University Online Courses – for FREE!
2021 Diabetes Educator Course Flyer & Schedule (subject to change)
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[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.
For our August 10th Question of the Week, 37% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to “take a closer look” at this question and determine strategies to choose the best response.
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 1: AL is 24 with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. AL is very worried about going blind because an Aunt with Type 1 diabetes lost her vision due to living with type 1 diabetes.
Which of the following matches the ADA guidelines for diabetes eye care?
As shown above, the most common choice was option 1, the second most common answer was option 2, then option 4, and finally option 3.
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, the content of this practice test question will set you up for success. Don’t forget to leverage your common sense and vast health care knowledge to get the best answer for specialty topics like microvascular disease. Be familiar with screening guidelines for eye disease as listed in the ADA Standards of Care on Microvascular health and treatment options. We also invite you to join our webinar (see below). You got this, Coach Beverly
Answer 1 is correct, 37.31% chose this answer, “An eye examination is recommended before pregnancy.” Great Job! Yes, this is the best answer. All people living with diabetes considering pregnancy need to get a baseline eye exam to evaluate retinal health. In addition, the ADA Standards recommend eye exams each trimester of pregnancy and after birth to monitor retinal changes.
Answer 2 is incorrect, 27.68% of you chose this answer, “Get eye exam immediately at type 1 diabetes diagnosis, then yearly thereafter.” This is the juicy answer. According to the ADA Standards for people with type 1 diabetes, they need an eye exam within in 5 years of diagnosis, then an eye exam every 1-2 years. The reason they don’t require an immediate eye exam is because type 1 diabetes is quickly identified and this short span of hyperglycemia does not increase risk of retinopathy. The reason we check people with type 2 eyes immediately, is because they could have had diabetes for an average of 6 years before diagnosis, allowing for the possibility of undetected eye damage.
Answer 3 is incorrect, 16.06% of you chose this answer, “If no retinopathy found on initial exam, refer to trained retinal expert for thorough exam.” ‘All people with diabetes do not need to be referred to a retinal expert. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can screen for type 1 diabetes eye disease. If retinopathy is discovered, depending on the severity, they may advise referral to a retinal specialist as needed.
Answer 4 is incorrect, 18.96% of you chose this answer “Only a trained ophthalmologists can screen for type 1 diabetes eye disease.” An ophthalmologist or optometrist can screen for type 1 diabetes eye disease. Programs that use retinal photography (with remote reading or use of a validated assessment tool) are also appropriate screening strategies for diabetes retinopathy. Such programs need to provide pathways for timely referral for a comprehensive eye examination when indicated.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Want to learn more about this topic?
Join us for our
This course provides you with the need-to-know information regarding the microvascular complications of diabetes. We start with a brief overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations then sum up with prevention strategies and screening guidelines. This straight-forward program will provide you with information you can use in your clinical setting and also provides critical content for the diabetes educator exam.
Objectives:
Level 2 | Setting up a Successful DSME Program Standards | 1.5 CEs
This course provides you with a succinct overview of the latest standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Support Programs. If you are taking the CDCES Exam or considering setting up a DSME program, this program is designed for you. We review the 10 standards and provide strategies on implementation. In addition, we discuss Medicare Reimbursement and covered benefits. This course provides insights into the exam philosophy and also highlights critical content areas.
Objectives:
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
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.
Which of the following are considered diabetes autonomic neuropathies?
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our
Join us for our
Level 2 | Microvascular Complications, Eye Kidney, & Nerve Disease Standards | 1.5 CEs
This course provides you with the need-to-know information regarding the microvascular complications of diabetes. We start with a brief overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations then sum up with prevention strategies and screening guidelines. This straight-forward program will provide you with information you can use in your clinical setting and also provides critical content for the diabetes educator exam.
Objectives:
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
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.
For our August 3rd Question of the Week, 53% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to “take a closer look” at this question and determine strategies to choose the best response.
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 1: JR is 53 years old with type 2 diabetes for the past 7 years. JR’s BMI is 32, GFR is more than 60, blood pressure is 128/76, Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) is 17mg/g.
According to the ADA Standards, which of the following is the most accurate recommendation to continue to protect JR’s kidney function?
Answer Choices:
As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 3, then option 4, and finally option 1.
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, the content of this practice test question will set you up for success. Don’t forget to leverage your common sense and vast health care knowledge to get the best answer for these specialty topics like diabetes kidney disease. Be familiar with MNT guidelines and guidelines for best therapeutic intervention based on careful assessment of microvascular health. You got this, Coach Beverly
Answer 1 is incorrect, 32% chose this answer, “Initiate low dose ACE Inhibitor or ARB.” This is a juicy answer, however, based on the ADA Standards on Microvascular Complications, medication is not required.
Here are 3 reasons why JR does not need an ACE or ARB:
Since all three of these indicators are below target range, blood pressure medication is not warranted and could even cause unwanted side effects like orthostatic hypotension. About a decade ago, there was a recommendation to start people with type 1 on an ACE or ARB to protect the kidney function, but it is NO longer recommended because it did not improve outcomes.
Answer 2 is correct, 53% of you chose this answer, “Focus on lifestyle changes.” YES, GREAT job. To help JR to keep his vessels healthy and improve his overall nutrition, we are going to encourage regular activity and an evidence based nutrition approach (DASH diet, Mediterranean, Plant Based eating etc.). We will make sure JR has an appointment with a diabetes care and education specialist and RD/RDN. No medications needed for JR, just ongoing self-care support and encouragement.
Answer 3 is incorrect, 9% of you chose this answer, “Maintain protein intake to ~0.7 g/kg.” In the old days, we used to recommend restricting protein intake to less than 0.8g/kg for people with diabetes kidney disease. We no longer make this recommendation since it didn’t improve outcomes! Plus, JR’s kidney function is fine and there is no diabetes kidney disease based on the information provided.
Answer 4 is incorrect, 6% of you chose this answer “Reduce sodium intake to 1000 mg per day.” For people with diabetes, the sodium recommendation is 2,300 mg per day, regardless of their blood pressure, since there is no evidence that a lower sodium intake reduces risk of complications.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our
Join us for our
Level 2 | Microvascular Complications, Eye Kidney, & Nerve Disease Standards | 1.5 CEs
This course provides you with the need-to-know information regarding the microvascular complications of diabetes. We start with a brief overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations then sum up with prevention strategies and screening guidelines. This straight-forward program will provide you with information you can use in your clinical setting and also provides critical content for the diabetes educator exam.
Objectives:
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
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.
AL is 24 with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. AL is very worried about going blind because an Aunt with Type 1 diabetes lost her vision due to living with type 1 diabetes.
Which of the following matches the ADA guidelines for diabetes eye care?
Click here to test your knowledge!
Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our
Join us for our
Level 2 | Microvascular Complications, Eye Kidney, & Nerve Disease Standards | 1.5 CEs
This course provides you with the need-to-know information regarding the microvascular complications of diabetes. We start with a brief overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations then sum up with prevention strategies and screening guidelines. This straight-forward program will provide you with information you can use in your clinical setting and also provides critical content for the diabetes educator exam.
Objectives:
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our
Join us live on August 26th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm for our
Level 2 | Setting up a Successful DSME Program Standards | 1.5 CEs
This course provides you with a succinct overview of the latest standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) and Support Programs. If you are taking the CDCES Exam or considering setting up a DSME program, this program is designed for you. We review the 10 standards and provide strategies on implementation. In addition, we discuss Medicare Reimbursement and covered benefits. This course provides insights into the exam philosophy and also highlights critical content areas.
Objectives:
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.
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.
As a child, LR lived with neglect and mistreatment by their parents. Escaping home as a teenager, LR couch surfed at friends but finally ending up living in their car. At the age of 23, LR showed up at our local community clinic with dysregulation, depression, and anxiety coupled with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and elevated triglycerides. LR had limited access to healthy food and carried a BMI of over 35.
After a few months of getting comfortable with the clinic staff, our counselor asked LR to complete the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) screening assessment. After LR finished checking off their adverse childhood experiences, they looked up with tears and said, “I scored a 9 out of 10”.
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 bodiy.
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.
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health: A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope with Coach Beverly
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
Research shows that ACEs can lead to a cycle of toxic stress and cellular inflammation. This heightened adrenal-mediated “flight or fight” response over time, can lead to neuroendocrine dysregulation, altered immune response, affect DNA packaging and activate epigenetic tags that can alter genetic makeup.
The CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly 2019 report tell us that preventing ACEs could reduce:
The first Surgeon General of California, Nadine Burke Harris, MD, MPH, has made it her mission to increase awareness, identify and address ACEs with parents, children, and adults so that we can break the cycle.
Health care professionals at risk for ACEs
People who enter healing professions may be experiencing toxic stress from childhood or current trauma. They may be dealing with burnout, fear, or feelings of deep pain with their past coupled with all the intensity of providing care during the COVID pandemic. This chronic and toxic stress can lead to dysregulation while impairing our ability to cope and care for others. You are not alone.
My own personal journey of experiencing childhood trauma and holding myself together until I ended up in the hospital, has compelled me to share my story with you. And offer a message of hope.
Coach Beverly
As I work on healing and integrating the different aspects of myself, I now feel more attuned to others who have weathered and survived childhood trauma. This awareness has significantly changed the way I hear what people with diabetes are saying and interpret what they are doing. For example, knowing that LR had a very high ACE score, I was able to adjust my expectations and focus on behavior changes that support self-care and self-regulation. When LR doesn’t take their diabetes medications for a few weeks, I provide gentle strength-based coaching to help LR get back on track. I make sure LR knows that they are safe sharing the truth of their story, no matter what.
In your hospital setting, do you have a person who keeps getting readmitted to the hospital in a diabetes crisis? In your outpatient setting, do you experience frequent no-shows or situations where people aren’t able to make changes in self-care? Maybe, they are struggling with the emotional impact of toxic stress.
Adults who have experienced trauma as children may exhibit the following behaviors:
As Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, if we recognize these behaviors as a response to dysregulation due to toxic stress, we can provide a therapeutic response to start the healing process.
Helpful provider responses when you suspect that participants are not engaging in care due to childhood trauma and toxic stress:
Diabetes Care and Education Specialists recognize that the mind and body are a deeply connected, dynamic, and powerful force when they are working together in harmony. When trauma and toxic stress are not recognized or treated, there can be devastating health consequences. We can make a difference in preventing, recognizing, and helping people heal from adverse childhood experiences.
Want to learn more about the ACEs and Healing?
The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Health:
A Personal Story of Resilience and Hope with Coach Beverly
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
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.
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.
Click here to read our full August 2021 newsletter.
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