Diabetes medications are not just about glucose management anymore

In the past, to determine the right medication for an individual, the primary focus was placed on the glucose-lowering impact. However, with the introduction of the SGLT-2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 RA’s, there has been a tremendous leap forward and expansion of expectations for the co-benefits of diabetes medications.

The SGLT2s and GLP1’s, are both associated with weight loss without the fear of hypoglycemia. They decrease the risk of cardiovascular events and also offer renal protection. In addition, the SGLT-2s are so effective at treating heart failure (HF), that they are now being used for people with HF without diabetes.

Keeping close tabs on UACR and GFR

A big shift in determining the optimal diabetes treatment now includes thoughtful evaluation of Urinary Albumin Creatine Ratio (UACR) and GFR.

In the past, we collected UACR and GFR yearly to monitor kidney function. Now we use the results of these tests to determine not only kidney function but the risk of heart disease and the best therapy for diabetes, kidney health, and hypertension.

Now, more than ever, we are compelled to evaluate urinary labs to determine the albumin to creatinine ratio and keep a close eye on GFR to determine best practices to not only extend lifespan but improve healthspan.

For more info on UACR and GFR, see our blog post, “From Dipsticks to GFR – How to evaluate kidney function“.

PocketCards Update

Our updated Medication PocketCards reflect these shifts

In this latest version available for download and purchase, we have expanded and clarified the SGLT-2 considerations to reflect the changes in the 2022 ADA Standards of Care. We recognize that SGLT2 Inhibitors may be used as first-line therapy due to their additional benefits, “Along with metformin, SGLT-2s may be considered at first line diabetes therapy, especially for those with heart and kidney failure.” Since this class also slows the progression of chronic kidney disease, we also added, “for renal protection, use SGLT-2 Therapy if eGFR greater than or equal to 25 and UACR greater than or equal to 300.”

Since the GFR cut-offs for this med class are changing frequently, we removed the GFR guidelines for individual SGLT2’s and encourage users to review the package insert for the most recent recommendations.

Over the past twenty years, there has been tremendous expansion in the availability of diabetes medications that not only lower glucose but help decrease the progression of common diabetes co-comorbidities.  In this evolving medication landscape, our Medication PocketCards capture the critical and current information you need for your clinical practice and certification exams.

---

Want to learn more about this topic?  Enroll in our

Meds Management for Type 2 Standards | 1.5 CEs

Recorded & Ready to Watch!

Coach Beverly will highlight the key elements of the latest Medication Guidelines by AACE and ADA. We will explore clinical factors to consider when determining the best strategy to improve glucose management in people with type 2 diabetes and other co-conditions. There will be a special focus on cardiovascular risk reduction and renal protection.

Objectives:

1. Describe the role of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists in stopping clinical inertia
2. Discuss using the latest ADA and AACE Guidelines to determine the best therapeutic approach.
3. Using the ADA and AACE Guidelines, describe strategies to initiate and adjust injectable therapy.

---

Join us for our Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference
30+ CEs | April 13-15, 2022

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.

 Download Course Schedule |  Download Course Flyer

Join us LIVE for this Virtual Course and enjoy a sense of community!

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

 Download Course Schedule |  Download Course Flyer

---

Two Registration Options

---

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Deluxe | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
• LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
• Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

Deluxe Version includes Syllabus, Standards and Swag*:

• Diabetes Educator Course 2022 Syllabus Hard Copy – over 100 pages -This spiral-bound workbook contains the printed version of all of the instructor’s slides.
• ADA 2022 Standards of Care Book -The ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes is a key resource for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care, education, and support.
• DiabetesEd Services highlighters, Medication PocketCard, Tote Bag and Pen

---

Virtual DiabetesEd Specialist Conference Basic | 30+ CEs

Deluxe Option for $499: Virtual Program includes:

• Q & A Session with the instructor after each webinar.
• LIVE Presentations by our team of experts.
• State of the art review of current diabetes care and technology.
• Resources for each session.
• Access to free podcasts and video recordings within a week of each live session for one year.

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!

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.