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Question of the Week | Accurate Meal Planning Approach? | June 27, 2023

Which of the following diabetes meal planning recommendations is accurate according to ADA Standards of Care?

  1. Decrease intake of starchy vegetables.
  2. Limit carbs to 45 grams per meal.
  3. Eat 25 gms of fiber for every 1000 calories consumed.
  4. Avoid all concentrated sweets.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this practice question?
Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference
October 11-13th, 2023


Two Registration Options

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

  • Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
  • Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
  • Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | Can JR repeat Group Classes?

JR is 73 years old and has Medicare Part A and B insurance.  JR completed a Diabetes Self-Management Program at a local hospital when they were in their late 60s and tells you they want to repeat the group sessions since they have forgotten much of the information.

What is the most accurate response?

  1. Sounds great. Let’s get you enrolled in our group classes.
  2. Medicare only covers group sessions once in a lifetime.
  3. Good thinking. Medicare covers annual group training.
  4. Since your insurance won’t cover it again, you can attend for free.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this practice question?
Join us LIVE in San Diego for our DiabetesEd Training Conference
October 11-13th, 2023


Two Registration Options

Join Coach Beverly and Team for two and a half days of knowledge-sharing, fun, networking, games with prizes, and “aha” moments in beautiful San Diego. 

You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind learning opportunity. Get away from all those daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in a fun and intensive conference with plenty of networking opportunities.    

Attendees will leave this conference with new tools and a more complete understanding of the latest advances in diabetes care, from medications to technology to Medical Nutrition Therapy! 

Bring your colleagues and enjoy our friend discount.

Our team expertly translates the complex science of diabetes into understandable terms while keeping it real, practical, and fun. 

Team of expert faculty includes:

  • Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES – Educator of the Year, 2020
  • Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM
  • Ashley LaBrier, MS, RD, CDCES, Diabetes Program Coordinator 

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | Carrying Insulin is too much Hassle!

JL has new type 1 diabetes and their time in range is about 40%.  They tell you that carrying insulin pens around on ice is such a hassle that they don’t give insulin before eating out. 

What is the best response?

  1. Validate their feelings and suggest starting an insulin pump.
  2. Reassure them that with the right tools, they can keep their insulin at refrigerator temperature.
  3. Reinforce that insulin should never be frozen while traveling.
  4. Share accurate insulin pen storage guidelines with them.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

“ReVive 5 Program is the best program I have ever attended – should be required for all diabetes educators! Thank you so much for translating this research into practical approaches!!” – Sarah F.

Save $100! Enroll now to watch the webinar on-demand


ReViVE 5 Diabetes Training Program: 
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Addressing diabetes distress can be tricky, even for seasoned healthcare professionals.

We invite you to attend this hands-on training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management. Our experts offer realistic strategies to address diabetes distress that you can immediately apply to your practice setting. Plus, the ReVive 5 Program provides a breadth of tools and resources to create more meaningful connections with people with diabetes.

Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:

  • Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, UCSF
  • Susan Guzman, PhD
  • Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Accredited Training Program:

  • 15.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour ReVive 5 Training Program, Certificate, and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content.
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.


CDCES Basic Prep Bundle

30+ Online Courses | 50+ CEs

This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.

The online bundle includes Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (Boot Camp), plus online Technology & Test-Taking Toolkits.


BC-ADM Deluxe Prep Bundle

35 online courses | 50+ CEs

This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who are studying for the Board Certified in Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) exam.

This bundle includes our Level 2, Level 3 (Boot Camp), and Level 4, plus online Technology & Test-Taking Toolkits.


NEW: Everything Bundle

40+ online courses | 85+ CEs

This exclusive Everything Bundle provides access to ALL of our Online University Courses and Training Programs. This bundle is perfect for those who need CEs to renew their license or diabetes certification or are looking for a comprehensive update on all topics of diabetes.

Subscribers enjoy over 40 courses taught by Coach Beverly and her team of experts on topics ranging from Diabetes Distress to MNT, Technology to Pattern Management with a focus on providing evidence-based, person-centered diabetes care.


All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the diabetes certification exams. CBDCE & ADCES does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the certification exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.

Rationale of the Week | Best Action for Hypoglycemia Distress?

For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on patient-centered care for hypoglycemia. 93% 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:

During your visit, you discover that MR is struggling with diabetes distress, especially around their fear of low blood sugar.

Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention?

Answer Choices:

  1. Refer MR to a mental health specialist.
  2. Encourage MR to consider downloading a meditation app.
  3. Explore feelings of distress around hypoglycemia.
  4. Encourage MR to let glucose levels run greater than 200 to reactivate counterregulatory response.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is incorrect. 4.69% chose this answer. “Refer MR to a mental health specialist.”

Although this answer is tempting, based on the information provided, MR doesn’t necessarily need to be referred to a mental health specialist. We expect that people with diabetes will have some degree of distress around fear of hypoglycemia. However, we can explore it further with MR and help with problem-solving to prevent hypoglycemia and make sure they have appropriate treatment strategies. If this is not successful, and MR still has on going distress, then we could consider referral to a mental health specialist with knowledge about diabetes management.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 0.71% of you chose this answer. “Encourage MR to consider downloading a meditation app.” It is true that meditation can be very helpful for people needing to decrease their stress levels. However, MR is dealing with a specific type of distress, resulting from fear of hypoglycemia. This generalized approach of suggesting a meditation app doesn’t acknowledge the distress MR is feeling specifically around hypoglycemia. Since it is not a person-centered approach, it is not the best answer. 

Answer 3 is correct. About 93.33% of respondents chose this. “Explore feelings of distress around hypoglycemia.” Great job. Most of you chose this best answer! Hypoglycemia distress is real and helping people with problem-solving to prevent hypoglycemia, explore their feelings and fears, and make sure they know appropriate treatment is the best first approach. If that is not successful, referral to a mental health specialist might be indicated. 

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 0.99% chose this answer. “Encourage MR to let glucose levels run greater than 200 to reactivate counterregulatory response.” While it is true that people who have hypoglycemia unawareness can increase their feelings of low blood sugar by allowing their blood sugars to run a little higher, this response does not address the emotional distress MR is feeling. Plus, there is no mention that MR has hypoglycemia unawareness. For that reason, it is not the best answer. 

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 question? Join our NEW

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

Live Virtual Sessions July 19 & July 26th – Save $100

Whether you are a novice or an expert in providing diabetes care, we invite you to attend this exciting training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management that will revolutionize your practice.

“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.

Join A Team of Experts

Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:

  • Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, UCSF
  • Susan Guzman, PhD
  • Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Accredited Training Program:

  • 14.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour Session ReVive 5 Training Program, Certificate, and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content.
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

Dates and Times for ReVive Virtual Training

  • For your convenience, we have combined the 4 sessions into 2 half days. Same great content.
  • July 19 and 26th from 9 am to 12:30 pm PST. Space is limited, so save your space today!

Speakers Interviews – Learn more about the ReVive 5 Team

What is the Biggest Takeaway when Addressing Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Susan Guzman

Do you have to be a Mental Health Expert to Tackle Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Lawrence Fisher

Why I Transformed my Approach to Diabetes Self-Management Education- Coach Beverly


Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required

 

 



The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | Best Action for Hypoglycemia Distress?

During your visit, you discover that MR is struggling with diabetes distress, especially around their fear of low blood sugar.

Which of the following is the most appropriate intervention?

  1. Refer MR to a mental health specialist.
  2. Encourage MR to consider downloading a meditation app.
  3. Explore feelings of distress around hypoglycemia.
  4. Encourage MR to let glucose levels run greater than 200 to reactivate counterregulatory response.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question? Join our NEW

ReVive 5 Diabetes Training Program

Whether you are a novice or an expert in providing diabetes care, we invite you to attend this exciting training program that provides the essential steps to address diabetes distress combined with an innovative approach to glucose management that will revolutionize your practice.

“ReVive 5” breathes new life into our relationship with diabetes, bringing a fresh perspective to both the person with diabetes and the provider.

Join A Team of Experts

Team of Experts: ReVive 5 is taught by a team of 3 Interdisciplinary Experts:

  • Lawrence Fisher, Ph.D., ABPP, Professor Emeritus, UCSF
  • Susan Guzman, PhD
  • Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM

Accredited Training Program:

  • 14.0 CEs – Includes the 7-hour Session ReVive 5 Training Program, Certificate, and 5 FREE bonus courses to supplement content.
  • A comprehensive set of assessment tools, educational materials, log sheets, and resources.

Speakers Interviews – Learn more about the ReVive 5 Team

What is the Biggest Takeaway when Addressing Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Susan Guzman

Do you have to be a Mental Health Expert to Tackle Diabetes Distress? – Dr. Lawrence Fisher

Why I Transformed my Approach to Diabetes Self-Management Education- Coach Beverly


Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required



The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | Diabetes & Hospital Standards

JR was admitted to the hospital with an infection and newly discovered diabetes. To get glucose to ADA target range for hospitalized individuals, JR was started on 12 units of basal insulin plus bolus insulin with meals. JR experienced a morning BG of 87 mg/dL, so the provider decreased the basal insulin to 9 units. JR’s morning blood sugar the next day was 157 mg/dL. 

What is the best action?

  1. Increase basal insulin by 10- 20%.
  2. Intensify correction scale.
  3. Continue with same basal dose.
  4. Ask MS if they are snacking during the night before making adjustments.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Hospitals & Hyperglycemia | 1.5 CEs

Research clearly demonstrates the importance of glucose control during hospitalization to improve outcomes not only in the inpatient setting but after discharge. This course reviews the evidence that supports inpatient glucose control & outlines practical strategies to achieve targets in the inpatient setting. We incorporate the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provide links to resources & inpatient management templates.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the impact of hyperglycemia in the hospital setting.
  2. Discuss the importance of inpatient glucose control.
  3. List three strategies to get glucose to goal in the hospital setting.

Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals seeking strategies to manage and improve inpatient diabetes care.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | Pregnancy & Diabetes Medication

AR is 6 weeks pregnant, what action is recommended?

AR has PCOS and type 2 diabetes and is in shock because they just discovered they are 6 weeks pregnant.  AR takes metformin 1000mg BID plus empagliflozin (Jardiance) 25 mg and their most recent A1C is 8.6%.

Which of the following actions do you recommend?

  1. Stop empagliflozin
  2. Stop metformin, keep empagliflozin
  3. Stop metformin and empagliflozin, start insulin.
  4. Stop empagliflozin, start a GLP-1 inhibitor.

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Pregnancy & Diabetes | 1.5 CEs

Pregnancy with diabetes is confronted with a variety of issues that require special attention, education, & understanding. This course reviews those special needs while focusing on Gestational Diabetes & Pre-Existing Diabetes. Included are the most recent diagnostic criteria, management goals, & prevention of complications during pregnancy. This is a helpful review for Certification Exams & those who want more information on people who are pregnant & live with diabetes.

Objectives:

  1. List three issues that affect pregnancy with diabetes.
  2. Describe the unique attributes of pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy & gestational diabetes.
  3. State the diagnostic criteria & management goals for gestational diabetes.
  4. Potential short-term & long-term complications of fetal exposure to hypoglycemia.
  5. Prevention measures to keep mother & baby healthy.

Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of the issues surrounding pregnancy and diabetes and appropriate care to improve outcomes.


Level 2 | Hospitals & Hyperglycemia | 1.5 CEs

Research clearly demonstrates the importance of glucose control during hospitalization to improve outcomes not only in the inpatient setting but after discharge. This course reviews the evidence that supports inpatient glucose control & outlines practical strategies to achieve targets in the inpatient setting. We incorporate the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provide links to resources & inpatient management templates.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the impact of hyperglycemia in the hospital setting.
  2. Discuss the importance of inpatient glucose control.
  3. List three strategies to get glucose to goal in the hospital setting.

Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals seeking strategies to manage and improve inpatient diabetes care.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required

 

 



The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.

Question of the Week | AR is pregnant and Worried

AR has PCOS type 2 diabetes and worried because they just discovered they are 6 weeks pregnant. AR takes metformin 1000mg BID plus empagliflozin (Jardiance) 25 mg and their most recent A1C is 8.6%.

Which of the following is a potential complication associated with hyperglycemia during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy?

  1. Intrauterine hypoglycemia
  2. Macrosomia and post-natal jaundice
  3. Neonatal respiratory distress
  4. Diabetic embryopathy

Click Here to Test your Knowledge


Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our

Level 2 | Pregnancy & Diabetes | 1.5 CEs

Pregnancy with diabetes is confronted with a variety of issues that require special attention, education, & understanding. This course reviews those special needs while focusing on Gestational Diabetes & Pre-Existing Diabetes. Included are the most recent diagnostic criteria, management goals, & prevention of complications during pregnancy. This is a helpful review for Certification Exams & those who want more information on people who are pregnant & live with diabetes.

Objectives:

  1. List three issues that affect pregnancy with diabetes.
  2. Describe the unique attributes of pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy & gestational diabetes.
  3. State the diagnostic criteria & management goals for gestational diabetes.
  4. Potential short-term & long-term complications of fetal exposure to hypoglycemia.
  5. Prevention measures to keep mother & baby healthy.

Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of the issues surrounding pregnancy and diabetes and appropriate care to improve outcomes.


Level 2 | Hospitals & Hyperglycemia | 1.5 CEs

Research clearly demonstrates the importance of glucose control during hospitalization to improve outcomes not only in the inpatient setting but after discharge. This course reviews the evidence that supports inpatient glucose control & outlines practical strategies to achieve targets in the inpatient setting. We incorporate the latest American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provide links to resources & inpatient management templates.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the impact of hyperglycemia in the hospital setting.
  2. Discuss the importance of inpatient glucose control.
  3. List three strategies to get glucose to goal in the hospital setting.

Intended Audience: A great course for healthcare professionals seeking strategies to manage and improve inpatient diabetes care.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information


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!

Sign up for DiabetesEd Blog Bytes

* indicates required

 

 



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.