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Level 3 | Diabetes Mastery & Cert Readiness | 14+ CEs

Our Level 3 is a comprehensive, master-level course series designed for healthcare professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in diabetes care and education, as well as preparing to take their diabetes certification exams in the next 3-6 months. These courses deliver in-depth, evidence-based content grounded in the latest ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes, equipping students with the practical and strategic skills needed to provide the best care for individuals with diabetes.

Each course addresses critical areas of diabetes management, such as pharmacology, technology, lifestyle management, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and person-centered care. With a focus on both knowledge and certification success, these courses offer detailed case studies, polls, and practice questions, with application exercises that build confidence and competence in navigating complex diabetes care scenarios.

Diabetes education session with fruits on table.

Preparing for the certification exams? This course is designed as the final step in exam preparation, along with filling in any knowledge gaps with our Level 1, 2 or 4 course bundles depending on which pathway you are on. Check out our CDCES Exam Prep Tools or our BC-ADM Exam Prep Tools to set yourself up for exam success!

Course Expiration: You will have immediate access to your courses. The Boot Camp series is available for 1 year after the purchase date. After your year’s registration expires, you can buy a Boot Camp 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 health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the BC-ADM or 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 Mastery & Cert Readiness 2025 Webinar Updates

2024 Webinars Recorded & Ready to Watch Upon Enrollment

All Courses Begin at 11:30 am PST

  • Feb. 6, 2025 | Class 1: Diabetes | Not Just Hyperglycemia | 1.75 CEs
  • Feb. 11, 2025 | Class 2: Standards of Care & Cardiovascular Goals | 1.8 CEs
  • Feb. 13, 2025 | Class 3: Meds for Type 2 | What you need to know | 1.75 CEs
  • Feb. 18, 2025 | Class 4: Insulin Therapy | From Basal/Bolus to Pattern Management | 1.75 CEs
  • Feb. 20, 2025 | Class 5: Insulin Intensive & Risk Reduction | Monitoring, Sick Days, Lower Extremities | 1.75 CEs
  • Feb. 25, 2025 | Class 6: Medical Nutrition Therapy | 1.75 CEs
  • Feb. 27, 2025 | Class 7: Microvascular Complications & Exercise | Screen, Prevent, Treat | 1.75 CEs
  • Mar. 3, 2025 | Class 8: Coping & Behavior Change | 1.75 CEs
  • Mar. 5, 2025 | Class 9: Test-Taking Coach Session (75+ Practice Questions) | No CE 

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: Diabetes | Not Just Hyperglycemia

Diabetes is complicated! This course starts with a brief introduction to the epidemiology of diabetes & social determinants of health. Then, the underpinning of pancreas dysfunction & the different types of diabetes are reviewed & clarified. Insulin resistance is addressed as well as the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

  • Discuss the epidemiology of diabetes.
  • Differentiate between the different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, LADA, GDM, & other causes.
  • Describe the natural history of diabetes & diagnostic criteria.
  • Address the relevance of insulin resistance & CV Disease.

Class 2: Standards of Care & Cardiovascular Goals

Get ready to lead the charge to implement best care practices while preparing for certification. This course reviews the glucose goals of care from pediatrics, through pregnancy, during middle age, & for seasoned citizens. We also take a close look at the goals for CV care & strategies to reduce the risk of experiencing CV events. Resources for hypertension & lipid medications are provided.

  • Describe 3 Landmark Diabetes Studies.
  • List glucose goals for adults, pediatrics, & pregnancy.
  • Discuss the impact of diabetes on cardiovascular health.
  • Describe strategies & medications used to decrease the risk of CV events.

Class 3: Meds for Type 2 | What You Need to Know

This course highlights the array of oral & injectable medications to treat hyperglycemia for people with type 2 diabetes. We explore clinical issues to consider when determining the best strategy to improve glucose control. We discuss cost, side effects, complexity, & other factors into consideration. We also discuss how to integrate the ADA algorithms into practice.

  • Describe the main action of the different categories of type 2 diabetes medication.
  • List the side effects & clinical considerations of each category of medication.
  • Apply the ADA & AACE algorithm to determine the best medication match based on individual characteristics.

Class 4: Insulin Therapy | From Basal/Bolus to Pattern Management

This course reviews the effective use of insulin therapy to improve glucose control. Learn how to look at glucose patterns & determine appropriate insulin adjustment strategies. Also included are formulas to calculate therapy based on national guidelines.

  • Discuss the actions of different insulins.
  • Describe pattern management as an insulin adjustment tool.
  • State how to calculate insulin needs & determine basal-bolus insulin dosing.
  • List teaching tools for insulin administration.

Class 5: Insulin Intensive & Risk Reduction |  Monitoring, Sick Days, Lower Extremities

The purpose of this course is to spend focused time reviewing insulin pattern management, dosing strategies, basal-bolus, & carb-counting calculations. We explore the ins & outs of monitoring, & sick day management, & provide a brief review of hypoglycemia & hospitalization. This course content will boost your knowledge & confidence in recommending insulin adjustments to individuals with diabetes & providers.

  • Determine appropriate insulin dosing.
    Calculate insulin sensitivity & carb-to-insulin ratios.
  • Consider individual characteristics when determining insulin dosing.
  • Discuss the management of diabetes during sick days & hospitalizations.
  • List the elements involved in a Lower Extremity Assessment.

Class 6: Medical Nutrition Therapy

This course reviews the latest nutrition guidelines & strategies to individualize this information based on assessment. Included is a discussion on weight-loss approaches, metabolic surgery, gastroparesis, & disordered eating, & behavioral coaching.

  • Discuss national guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • State different meal planning approaches.
  • Describe gastrointestinal issues associated with diabetes.
  • Discuss approaches to discussing & supporting weight loss.

Class 7: Microvascular Complications & Exercise | Screen, Prevent, Treat

We review the benefits of exercise & focus on the latest national guidelines for activity, strengthening, & balance. We summarize the impact of chronic hyperglycemia on the eyes, kidneys, nerves, & lower extremities. Included is a discussion on screening guidelines to promote early detection & treatment. We also review the benefits of exercise & focus on the latest national guidelines for activity, strengthening, & balance.

  • Identify the most common microvascular complications.
  • Describe modifiable & non-modifiable risk factors for diabetes complications.
  • List screening guidelines.
    Discuss how exercise affects physiology & American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) guidelines.
  • List precautions a person with diabetes needs to take before, during, & after exercise.

Class 8: Coping and Behavior Change

This course provides a framework to assess individual barriers & support behavior change. We explore psychosocial issues that may be blocking participants from adopting healthier behaviors & provides strategies to identify & overcome these barriers. We conclude with a review of the major learning theories with a focus on empowerment.

  • Discuss the chronic care model.
  • Describe coping & individual assessment.
  • List psychosocial, emotional & life barriers to diabetes self-care.
  • Discuss strategies to assist people living with diabetes with individualized coping skills.
  • Describe behavior change models & approaches.

Class 9: Test-Taking Coach Session (75+ Practice Questions)

Are you almost to the finish line and ready to take the CDCES or BC-ADM exam in the near future?

If yes, this test-taking coach session is designed for you. First, you take 75+ sample questions online. Then you join Coach Beverly for an hour-long webinar to learn how to work through the test questions and get to the right answer! Coach Beverly will go through as many questions as is possible in a one-hour session.

She helps you avoid common traps and provides Insights and tips to increase your confidence and ability to choose the right answer.

        Accreditation:Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!

        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.