Happy July!

Did you know that only about 50% of people in the U.S. are reaching the A1C target of less than 7%?

And only 22% of Americans reached all 3 targets for A1C, blood pressure, and lipids.

Unfortunately, the percentage of people reaching these goals has declined or stalled over the past ten years. These disappointing results are based on an analysis of the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) published in NEJM this June.

But I have hope for several reasons!

First, Diabetes Care and Education Specialists can continue to raise awareness of the ADA Standards of Care for Diabetes and advocate for initiating first-line and add-on therapies in their work settings. Plus, we can encourage streamlining of the referral process to facilitate participant access to DSMES and to RD/RDN for initial and ongoing lifestyle and nutrition counseling. Plus, we discuss lots more ideas to improve care in the article below.

Second, I am excited to highlight our interview with a health care visionary and leader, Dr. Avni Shah, who is moving forward with a radical approach to providing diabetes care to our most vulnerable populations designed to improve outcomes.

Third, to improve care, we need more CDCES’s and taking the exam just got a little bit easier. By the end of the year, we will be able to take the CDCES exam from our home or other remote locations.

In this newsletter, we also dive into a Pediatric Question of the Week and explore Preparation for Surgery with our Rationale of the Week. We are thrilled by the interest & response to our Live San Diego Course in October and look forward to gathering together again in person.

Keep cool everyone,

Coach Beverly, Bryanna, Jackson, and Robert

Click here to read our full July 2021 newsletter.

Featured Blogs

• Diabetes Care in the US
• Interview with Dr. Avni Shah from Vayu Health – A Radical Approach to Diabetes Care
• Take Your CDCES Exam at Home?!
• Bev Renews her BC-ADM for the Fifth Time 
• Question of the Week – What are Pediatric Glucose Targets?
• Rationale of the Week – How to Prep for Surgery

Upcoming Events & Resources

• DiabetesEd Course in San Diego, Oct 6-8, 2021
• ADCES Exam Desk Reference + Review Guide
• Pancreas Partner + DiaCell Teaching Tools
• Tots to Teen Webinar
• Diabetes and Pregnancy Webinar
• Free Resources Catalog

 

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.

For our June 29th Question of the Week, 56% of respondents chose the best answer. Since people with diabetes will often need to undergo a procedure or surgery that requires they be NPO, we wanted 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: AR is living with type 2 diabetes, has an A1c of 7.4%, and takes metformin 1000 BID and 60 units of glargine at bedtime.  AR is admitted to the hospital overnight for early morning surgery.

According to ADA Guidelines, what adjustment in his diabetes medications are needed to prepare for a safe surgery?

Answer Choices:

1. Hold the evening metformin and glargine the night before surgery to prevent perioperative hypoglycemia.
2. Hold morning metformin the day of surgery and give about 40 units of bedtime glargine the night before surgery.
3. Hold metformin 3 days before surgery and give 60 units of bedtime glargine the night before surgery.
4. Hold the metformin the day before surgery and give the glargine the morning of surgery to prevent perioperative hyperglycemia.

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 3, then option 1, 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 knowledge of preparation for surgery or other procedures that require the person with diabetes to be in a fasting state.

Answers & Rationale

Answer 1 is incorrect, 14.85% chose this answer, “Hold the evening metformin and glargine the night before surgery to prevent perioperative hypoglycemia.” Since AR has type 2 diabetes, even though AR is going to be NPO in preparation for surgery, AR can still take the evening metformin and most of the glargine. If AR holds both of these treatments, there is a high chance that AR will wake up with elevated morning blood sugars, which could delay surgery or lead to a hyperglycemic crisis.

Answer 2 is correct, 55.98% of you chose this answer, “Hold morning metformin the day of surgery and give about 40 units of bedtime glargine the night before surgery.” GREAT JOB. This is the BEST answer. According to the ADA, since AR has type 2 diabetes, even though AR is going to be NPO in preparation for surgery, AR can still take the evening metformin and 60-80% of the evening glargine. Since AR’s A1c is 7.4%, we give 60% of the usual 60 units of glargine (~40 units), so that AR wakes up with glucose close to the target, but not too low to cause hypoglycemia.

Answer 3 is incorrect, 16.56% of you chose this answer, “Hold metformin 3 days before surgery and give 60 units of bedtime glargine the night before surgery.” Since AR has type 2 diabetes, even though AR is going to be NPO in preparation for surgery, there is no reason for AR to hold the metformin for 3 days. AR can take metformin the day before surgery and resume metformin the evening after surgery if kidney function is stable. Since AR’s A1c is 7.4%, we give only 60% of the usual 60 units of glargine (~40 units), so that AR wakes up with glucose close to the target, but not too low to cause hypoglycemia.

Answer 4 is incorrect, 12.61% of you chose this answer “Hold the metformin the day before surgery and give the glargine the morning of surgery to prevent perioperative hyperglycemia.” Since AR has type 2 diabetes, even though AR is going to be NPO in preparation for surgery, there is no reason for AR to hold the metformin the day before surgery. AR can take metformin the day before surgery and resume metformin the evening after surgery if kidney function is stable. As far as changing glargine administration time to the morning to lower surgical glucose, this would not be advised since it would be a departure from AR’s usual routine and could cause unwanted glucose fluctuations.

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 topic? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Hospitals & Hyperglycemia Standards | 1.5 CEs

Topics include:

• The impact of hyperglycemia in the hospital setting.
• The importance of inpatient glucose control.
• Three strategies to get glucose to goal in the hospital setting.

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See Full Calendar for upcoming webinars and Virtual Courses.

Can’t make it live? All paid registrants are guaranteed access to the video presentation, handouts and podcasts.

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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.

Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) is a biosimilar basal insulin with the same chemical composition as insulin glargine. However, since it is a biosimilar, it is a less costly version of this widely popular basal insulin. Up until now, pharmacists could not make “pharmacy-level substitution”—much like how generic drugs are substituted for brand name drugs, without provider approval.

With this new FDA approval, an interchangeable biosimilar product may be substituted for the reference product without the intervention of the prescriber. Biosimilars marketed in the U.S. typically have launched with initial list prices 15% to 35% lower than comparative list prices of the reference products.

Bottom line, the pharmacist can now interchange or substituted semglee for its reference product Lantus (insulin glargine) without prescriber approval.

“This is a momentous day for people who rely daily on insulin for treatment of diabetes, as biosimilar and interchangeable biosimilar products have the potential to greatly reduce health care costs,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D.

This also has implications for future, lower cost biosimilars says Dr. Woodcock. “Today’s approval of the first interchangeable biosimilar product furthers FDA’s longstanding commitment to support a competitive marketplace for biological products and ultimately empowers patients by helping to increase access to safe, effective and high-quality medications at potentially lower cost.”

Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn), offered in 10 mL vials and 3 mL prefilled pens, is administered subcutaneously once daily.

Access to affordable insulin is critical and the approval of this first biosimilar heralds good news for future biosimilar interchangeability.

For our June 22nd Question of the Week, 64% of respondents chose the best answer. Since many diabetes specialists aren’t exposed to the care of people with diabetes during pregnancy, we want to “take a closer look” at this question and determine strategies to choose the best response so test takers can be ready for these types of questions.

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: ML has type 1 diabetes, her A1c is on target and she and is hoping to get pregnant in the upcoming year. 

Which of the following statement best reflects the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy?

Answer Choices:

1. A sharp increase in glucose levels in the first trimester due to placental hormones.
2. A decrease in insulin needs during the second and third trimester.
3. A minimal fluctuation in insulin needs until about 36 weeks.
4. A decrease in insulin needs during the first 16 weeks.

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

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 knowledge of diabetes during pregnancy,

Answers & Rationale

Answer 1 is incorrect, 24.57% chose this answer, “A sharp increase in glucose levels in the first trimester due to placental hormones.” This is not the best answer based on the pathophysiology of early pregnancy. According to ADA Standards of Care 14, “early pregnancy is a time of enhanced insulin sensitivity and lower glucose levels, many women with type 1 diabetes will have lower insulin requirements and increased risk for hypoglycemia.” Often, during the first trimester, insulin doses may need to be decreased to prevent hypoglycemia.

Answer 2 is incorrect, 10.51% of you chose this answer, “A decrease in insulin needs during the second and third trimester.” This is not the best answer based on the pathophysiology of mid and later pregnancy. According to ADA Standards of Care 14, “Around 16 weeks, insulin resistance begins to increase, and total daily insulin doses increase linearly ?5% per week through week 36. This usually results in a doubling of daily insulin dose compared with the prepregnancy requirement.”

Answer 3 is incorrect, 15.09% of you chose this answer, “A minimal fluctuation in insulin needs until about 36 weeks.” This is not the best answer based on the pathophysiology of pregnancy. Based on answers 1 and 2, blood sugars can plummet during early pregnancy and then glucose levels dramatically increase starting at 16 weeks, resulting in increasing insulin requirement of about 5% a week through week 36 of pregnancy.

Answer 4 is correct, 49.83% of you chose this answer “A decrease in insulin needs during the first 16 weeks.” GREAT JOB – Since there is increased glucose uptake by the fetus and placenta combined with enhanced insulin sensitivity in early pregnancy, blood sugars generally run lower and are associated with lower insulin requirements during the first 16 weeks.

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 topic? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Pregnancy & Diabetes Standards | 1.5 CEs

This course reviews those special needs while focusing on Gestational Diabetes and Pre-Existing Diabetes. Included are the most recent diagnostic criteria, management goals, and prevention of complications during pregnancy. A helpful review for the CDCES Exam and for those who want more information on people who are pregnant and live with Diabetes.

Topics include:

• Three issues that affect pregnancy with diabetes
• The unique attributes of pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy and gestational diabetes
• Diagnostic criteria and management goals for gestational diabetes
• Potential short term and long term complications of fetal exposure to hypoglycemia
• Prevention measures to keep mother and baby healthy

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See Full Calendar for upcoming webinars and Virtual Courses.

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!

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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.

According to ADA Guidelines, what adjustment in his diabetes medications are needed to prepare for a safe surgery?

1. Hold the evening metformin and glargine the night before surgery to prevent perioperative hypoglycemia.
2. Hold morning metformin the day of surgery and give about 40 units of bedtime glargine the night before surgery.
3. Hold metformin 3 days before surgery and give 60 units of bedtime glargine the night before surgery.
4. Hold the metformin the day before surgery and give the glargine the morning of surgery to prevent perioperative hyperglycemia.

Click here to test your knowledge!

---

Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Hospitals & Hyperglycemia Standards | 1.5 CEs

Topics include:

• The impact of hyperglycemia in the hospital setting.
• The importance of inpatient glucose control.
• Three strategies to get glucose to goal in the hospital setting.

---

See Full Calendar for upcoming webinars and Virtual Courses.

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.

1. A sharp increase in glucose levels in the first trimester due to placental hormones.
2. A decrease in insulin needs during the second and third trimester.
3. A minimal fluctuation in insulin needs until about 36 weeks.
4. A decrease in insulin needs during the first 16 weeks.

Click here to test your knowledge!

---

Want to learn more about this topic? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Pregnancy & Diabetes Standards | 1.5 CEs

This course reviews those special needs while focusing on Gestational Diabetes and Pre-Existing Diabetes. Included are the most recent diagnostic criteria, management goals, and prevention of complications during pregnancy. A helpful review for the CDCES Exam and for those who want more information on people who are pregnant and live with Diabetes.

Topics include:

• Three issues that affect pregnancy with diabetes
• The unique attributes of pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy and gestational diabetes
• Diagnostic criteria and management goals for gestational diabetes
• Potential short term and long term complications of fetal exposure to hypoglycemia
• Prevention measures to keep mother and baby healthy

---

See Full Calendar for upcoming webinars and Virtual Courses.

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 June 8th Question of the Week, only 64% 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: JR is taking Metformin 1000mg BID but is worried about getting cancer and is thinking about stopping the metformin. 

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding diabetes and cancer?

Answer Choices:

1. People with diabetes have a slightly lower risk of liver and uterine cancers.
2. Some brands of metformin were recalled because of an NDMA impurity, so it is best to hold metformin for now.
3. There is research suggesting that metformin may be associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers.
4. Metformin does not increase the risk of cancer, but it can negatively impact renal function.

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

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 knowledge of diabetes co-conditions plus prevention and screening guidelines.

Answers & Rationale

Answer 1 is incorrect, 3.69% chose this answer, “People with diabetes have a slightly lower risk of liver and uterine cancers.” People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of getting liver and endometrial cancers. There is an increased risk of diabetes and cancer in the same person due to an overlap of risk factors (age and weight) plus lifestyle factors (smoking, activity level, income and environmental factors).

Answer 2 is incorrect, 6.77% of you chose this answer, “Some brands of metformin were recalled because of an NDMA impurity, so it is best to hold metformin for now.” In 2020, some brands of Metformin were recalled because of above acceptable levels of NDMA due to the manufacturing process. The FDA recalled those brands and they were pulled from pharmacy shelves. Any dispensed metformin post recall should be safe.

Answer 3 is Correct, 64.46% of you chose this answer, “There is research suggesting that metformin may be associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers.” YES, you chose the BEST answer. Congratulations. Multiple studies have examined metformin for its potential tumor and cancer fighting ability and it looks very promising. Read more here >>

Answer 4 is incorrect, 25.08% of you chose this answer, “Metformin does not increase the risk of cancer, but it can negatively impact renal function.” This answer is NOT correct. Metformin appears to reduce the risk of some cancers but does NOT harm kidney function. There has been a increase of misinformation about metformin over the past year. Metformin is not recommended for anyone with a GFR less than 30 due to increase risk of lactic acidosis. But, metformin WON’T harm the kidneys and one could even argue that it protects them by lowering A1C by 1-2% points. You can download our Medication PocketCards for more information.

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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Level 4 | Cancer & Diabetes | 1.25 CEs

Topics Include:

• Discuss the relationship between cancer, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.
• State 3 benefits of normalizing glucose levels during chemotherapy.
• Using a case study approach, discuss strategies to improve glucose levels and quality of life.

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2021 Live Webinar Events

See Full Calendar for upcoming webinars and Virtual Courses.

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.

Written by Monique Jackson, MSN, CFNP, WHCNP, CDCES

A new study finds that hemoglobinopathies may distort A1C accuracy for people of African descent living with diabetes.  

African Americans at risk for falsely low A1cs due to Hemoglobin Variants

Hemoglobin variants don’t increase the risk for diabetes, but it can affect the results of A1C tests.  African Americans Heterozygous for the common hemoglobin variant HbS may have, for any given level of mean glycemia, lower A1C by about 0.3% then those without the trait.  Another genetic variant, X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase G202A, carried by 11% of African Americans, was associated with a decrease in A1C of about 0.8% in homozygous men and 0.7% in homozygous women compared with those without the variant  (American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes-2021; 16). 

 Health care professionals often use A1C test results to guide decisions about diabetes care, such as changes to medication, meal plan, or physical activity routine to manage diabetes.  In those with certain hemoglobin variants, A1C is not accurate for diagnosing and managing diabetes.  Different tests that accurately reflect long term glucose levels are needed for early diagnosis and to provide needed medical management that prevents complications. 

Mismatch between Glucose and A1c –  My Clinical Finding

At my clinic, where I work as a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, an African American individual arrived with a high random glucose and mildly abnormal A1C.  Reviewing their lab work, I noticed that the random blood glucose was 300 mg/dl and the A1C was at approximately 7.0%.  When I converted the A1C to average blood glucose and compared with the elevated reading in the logs, the numbers did not match up. I realized that this individual had one of the hemoglobin variants (Sickle Cell anemia) HbS.   I ended up starting them on Metformin for blood sugar, Atorvastatin because of the guidelines that everyone with Diabetes should be on a statin, Aspirin to prevent heart attack, and Lisinopril for blood pressure control. 

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Without this clinical finding that the elevated blood sugars were not reflected in the A1c, this individual might not have been started on diabetes treatment, because of the false low A1C.

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A1C reflects glucose concentration from the past 2-3 months, but this relationship may differ between those with nutritional deficiencies, anemia, or genetic hemoglobinopathies, including the Sickle cell trait.

Since A1C measures the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin, individuals who possess variants of hemoglobin can exhibit falsely low readings.  

Fructosamine testing, which evaluates albumin glycosylation for the past 2-3 weeks, may be a better measure to help people with diabetes monitor and manage their blood glucose levels in cases where the A1C test cannot be used and/or a short-term monitoring window is desired.    

Summary and Notes for the Future

It is important to consider the results of the A1C, fasting blood glucose, two-hour glucose tolerance test, random blood glucose, and or fructosamine when you are screening someone with diabetes who is diagnosed with a Hemoglobin variant.  

A1C testing on two different occasions to diagnose diabetes for those with Hbs variants is not recommended, because it will yield false low results.  To diagnose a person with diabetes and Hbs variants, the ADA recommends only plasma blood glucose criteria be used to diagnose diabetes.

More research is needed on the diagnoses of diabetes utilizing the A1C in populations with increased prevalence of Hbs variants.  In addition, we need research aimed toward providing more accurate tests for the diagnosis and management of conditions associated with increased red blood cells turnover, such as sickle cell disease, hemoglobinopathy variants, pregnancy (second and third trimester).  

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Welcome, Monique Jackson, MSN, CFNP, WHCNP, CDCES, our new Blog Content Writer!

We are so excited to introduce our newest DiabetesEd Specialist Blog Contributor, Monique Jackson, MSN, CFNP, WHNP, CDCES.

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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!

[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.