Building a Bridge to Welcome New Diabetes Specialists

We are geared up to help grow and mentor future diabetes specialists to meet the increasing and varied needs of our diabetes community, but we need your help. Over the next 10 years we are “Building a Bridge” to welcome a thousand new diabetes educators into the field. If you know a healthcare professional seeking a new challenge and eager to pursue a meaningful and rewarding specialty, please invite them to consider becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). 

To reach the goal of encouraging healthcare professionals to enter the field, we have created a new FREE webinar that outlines the benefits and steps involved in “Becoming a Diabetes Specialist.” We want to share this information with as many healthcare professionals as possible to encourage them to consider specializing in diabetes.

Our goal is to cast this net far and wide to address the rising prevalence of diabetes. Currently, 16% of people in the United States live with diabetes, and over 38% live with prediabetes according to the CDC. Diabetes is more prevalent in communities of color and impacts individuals with less income and resources. CDCES’s are influential in addressing health disparities and promoting equitable care through their work in health care settings across the country. 

Why Become a CDCES?

On a personal note, becoming a CDCES is one of the best professional decisions I have ever made. This certification has opened the door to many opportunities and dramatically increased my job satisfaction. 

Currently, there are 19,500 healthcare professionals with the CDCES credential, including registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), pharmacists, physicians, and physician assistants (PAs)es. At Diabetes Education Services, we are trying to enhance diversity within the CDCES population, including our scholarship programs, to encourage a broader range of applicants to pursue certification and increase awareness of this critical professional achievement.

However, there is more to be done, and we appreciate your help speaking to colleagues and letting them know about the benefits of becoming a CDCES. If you are part of a healthcare organization and want Coach Beverly to present the steps involved in becoming a Diabetes Specialist, please reach out to discuss details at info@diabetesed.net.

Benefits of Becoming a CDCES 

1. Be a Part of Improving Diabetes Outcomes and Quality of Life

• CDCES professionals advocate for effective diabetes management through person-centered care and education.
• Studies show that diabetes education improves glycemic management, reduces complications, and lowers hospitalization rates.
• Diabetes care specialists address the psychosocial aspects of diabetes and support problem-solving and well-being. 

2. Addressing Health Disparities:

• CDCESs are essential in caring for diverse populations, including those disproportionately affected by diabetes.
• We are a part of advocating for equity and increased access to care.

3. Reducing Healthcare Costs:

• Diabetes education can significantly reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and lower extremity complications.
• CDCESs contribute to cost savings by promoting preventive care and self-management.

5. Expansion of Care Models:

• With a shift towards value-based care, there is a growing emphasis on preventive health services and chronic disease management, increasing demand for CDCESs in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
• CDCES professionals are vital in addressing the diabetes crisis in the U.S., improving both individual health outcomes and public health overall. Their expertise is increasingly in demand across various healthcare settings.

How to Become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

1. Educational Requirement: Hold a relevant degree such as in nursing, dietetics, pharmacy, or other health-related field.
2. Professional Licensure: Maintain an active license in a qualifying health discipline (e.g., RN, RD, MD, etc.) or have a degree in an eligible field like public health or social work.
3. Experience Requirement:
   • A minimum of two years (to the day) of professional practice experience in the discipline under which one is applying for certification.
   • Obtain at least 1,000 hours of diabetes education experience within the last five years, with at least 200 hours in the most recent year.
4. Continuing Education: Complete at least 15 hours of continuing education in diabetes management and care within 2 years before applying.
5. Exam Application and Preparation:
   • Apply for the CDCES exam through the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE).
   • Prepare using study materials, review courses, and practice exams related to diabetes education.
6. Pass the CDCES Exam: Successfully pass the 175-question certification exam, which covers topics including assessment, care and education strategies, standards and practices. 
7. Maintain Certification: You can renew your certification every five years through continuing education, fulfilling practice hour requirements, or retaking the exam.

Visit the official CBDCE website or relevant professional bodies for more detailed guidance or recent updates.

Visit our CDCES Prep Page for more information and to register for FREE Webinars with lots of helpful information.

Building a Bridge Program: At Diabetes Education Services, our goal is to mentor the next generation of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES). We are committed to welcoming healthcare professionals with diverse experiences and backgrounds to enter the diabetes field. Our online programs and resources aim to provide emerging CDCES professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address the unique challenges encountered by people with diabetes from all walks of life, while also  preparing them for certification.