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Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals | 11 CEs

This series is designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in getting started in diabetes education and for those actively working toward becoming a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Each course in this series provides the critical building blocks and foundation for those entering the diabetes field. Plus, they prepare you to advance to our Level 2 Standards of Care Intensive Courses.

 

      Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and this course awards listed CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.

      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.

      **To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). CBDCE does not approve of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.

      Nurse with clipboard promoting diabetes education course.

      Our online courses are interactive and combine lectures, poll questions, and case studies to prepare you for success. The content is designed to immediately advance your clinical practice plus move you toward your goal of achieving a higher level of expertise and comfort when providing diabetes education.

      Enroll in Level 1
      Course Flyer for 2025

      Testimonial:  “No words can express how grateful I am that you share all your knowledge and expertise with those of us who want to be better diabetes educators.  I have been a dietitian for 27 years and experienced the different treatment approaches over those years, but I wanted to update my diabetes skills.” – Josee Derrien, RDN CNSC, CDCES

      With your purchase of our Level 1 – Diabetes Fundamentals, you have instant access to the six On-Demand courses via the Online University, PLUS we have automatically enrolled you in all live webinars presented within the year of your purchase.

      Course Expiration: You will have immediate access to your courses for 1 year after your purchase date. After your year’s registration expires, you can buy an extension for another year by clicking here.

      Intended Audience: This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other healthcare providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.

      Instructors

      Picture of Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES
      Coach Beverly Thomassian, RN, MPH, BC-ADM, CDCES

      Author, Nurse, Educator, Clinician, and Innovator, Beverly has specialized in diabetes management for over twenty years and has successfully passed the CDCES exam six times. As president and founder of Diabetes Education Services, Beverly is dedicated to optimizing diabetes care and improving the lives of those with diabetes.

      Picture of Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES - Nutrition Content Expert and Contributor
      Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES - Nutrition Content Expert and Contributor

      Christine is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and a consultant dietitian. It is important to her that each person living with diabetes feels supported and empowered not only with information but an individualized approach for lifelong health. Winner of the 2023 Impact on Diabetes Award, she is a leader in the field of nutrition, technology, and diabetes care. She has served as a preceptor, lecturer, researcher, and is an active association board member. She has worked across health systems; within Diabetes Care Centers, Endocrinology clinics, Primary Care, Telemedicine Rural Health, and Virtual-First Primary Care. Currently she is owner of Nutrition for Daily Living, where it is her mission to increase access to compassionate and evidenced-based nutrition and diabetes care.

      As an adventurer, travel, hiking and snow skiing are her favorite past-times. For Christine, having a moment to take in the landscape and beauty around us can re-energize and fuel a busy life.

      Diabetes Fundamentals Sessions 2025 Webinar Updates

      2025 Webinars Recorded & Ready to Watch Upon Enrollment

      1. Class 1: Getting to the Nitty Gritty | 2.0 CEs 
      2. Class 2: Nutrition & Exercise 1.75 | CEs 
      3. Class 3: Meds Overview for Type 2 | 1.75 CEs 
      4. Class 4: Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management | 2.0 CEs 
      5. Class 5: Goals of Care | 1.75 CEs
      6. Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, & Monitoring | 1.75 CEs

      Can’t join us live?

      Don’t worry, if you register, we will send you a link to the recorded version.

      Individual Courses

      Class 1: Getting to the Nitty Gritty

      This course provides an overview of the impact of diabetes on our communities. We compare & contrast prediabetes, type 1, & type 2 diabetes LADA & incorporate effective teaching strategies. Diagnostic criteria & risk factor screening are reviewed along with case studies to highlight key points.

      • Discuss factors contributing to increased prevalence.
      • Describe pathophysiological defects associated with the development of diabetes mellitus.
      • Differentiate the different types: Prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2 & GDM.
      • Discuss new language guidelines.
      • Describe the impact of insulin resistance.

      Class 2: Nutrition and Exercise

      This course reviews the latest national nutrition guidelines and provides strategies to translate this information to individuals. We delve into the recent exercise recommendations and provides realistic strategies to help keep individuals active and engaged.

      • Discuss Self-management strategies.
      • Listing Nutrition Guidelines for people with diabetes. 
      • Describe current MNT recommendations.
      • List 3 teaching strategies for success.
      • State ADA Exercise Guidelines highlights.
      • Discuss goals and safety precautions for diabetes and exercise.

      Class 3: Meds Overview for Type 2

      This course is an introduction to the abundance of medications available to treat type 2 diabetes. We explore the different classes of diabetes medications including action, considerations, & side effects. Case studies help students with problem-solving & immediate application of this complex topic.

      • Describe the main action of the different categories of type 2 diabetes medications.
      • Discuss strategies to determine the right medication for the right individual.
      • List the side effects and clinical considerations of each category of medication.
      • State how to use the ADA Medication algorithm to improve care.

      Class 4: Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management

      This course is an overview of the effective use of insulin therapy to improve glucose control is discussed. Course content incorporates the new American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) insulin guidelines & Standards of Care. The content includes a review of pattern management & formulas to calculate basal-bolus insulin therapy.

      • Discuss the actions of different insulins.
      • Describe pattern management as an insulin adjustment tool.
      • State how to Incorporate national guidelines into practice.
      • Using basal/bolus insulin therapy to improve glucose control from hospital to home.
      • Discuss glucose patterns & adjustment strategies.

      Class 5: Goals of Care & Lower Extremity Assessment

      This course is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. We highlight the goals of care the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes & provide critical teaching points & updates for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education. 

      • State 3 determinants of health & how they can impact diabetes self-care.
      • List steps to address prediabetes.
      • State screening guidelines for adults, children, & pregnancy.
      • Describe updated goals of care for diabetes, CV & renal disease.

      Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days & Monitoring

      This session reviews causes & strategies to prevent hypoglycemia are discussed. Includes a review of blood glucose monitoring considerations & teaching topics, with a focus on sick day management. Includes discussion of inpatient glucose management guidelines & goals.

      • Discuss risk & prevention of hypoglycemia.
      • Strategies to get the most out of blood glucose monitoring & technology.
      • Review sick day management, from hospital to home.
      • Describe behavior change road blocks & work arounds.

            Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and this course awards listed CPEUs in accordance with the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s CPEU Prior Approval Program.

            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.

            **To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the Certification Board for Diabetes Care & Education (CBDCE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the CBDCE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). CBDCE does not approve of continuing education. Diabetes Education Services is accredited/approved by the Commission of Dietetic Registration which is on the list of CBDCE Recognized Providers.

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            Accreditation

            For more information on accreditation, visit each individual course page in our Online Store and click the “Accreditation” tab.

            Our course CE credits are through the following accrediting bodies:

            • ACPE,
            • AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™,
            • ANCC, and
            • CDR

            Our CEs count toward the CDCES exam and CDCES / BC-ADM renewal*!

            Course credits will continue to count toward the CDCES and BC-ADM certification requirements, and many of our offerings (all of the Standards of Care Intensive courses, plus our Virtual and Live DiabetesEd Training Conferences) fulfill the ADA Standards of Care component required for certification renewal.

            The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.