For those of us working in diabetes care and education, it often feels more like a calling than a job. The relationships we build and the role we play in supporting behavior change make this deeply meaningful work.
At the same time, the field is evolving. Workforce shifts, changing care models, and growing demand are shaping what practice looks like today and where it is headed. The 2025 Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists National Practice Survey offers a timely snapshot of these trends, highlighting current roles, areas where clinicians need more support, and perspectives on the future of the profession.
As you think about your own career path, important questions emerge. What will job opportunities look like in the coming years? How might your clinical role evolve? Let’s explore key themes from the survey, including a few findings that may surprise you, and what they could mean for the future of diabetes care and education.
Inside the ADCES National Practice Survey
The 2025 National Practice Survey conducted by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists was a national, quantitative survey designed to better understand the current diabetes care and education workforce.
Distributed online through ADCES and the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education, the survey assessed workforce characteristics, roles, practice settings, and evolving responsibilities, while also capturing perspectives on challenges, training needs, and the future direction of the profession.
As Demand Grows, So Does Scope of Practice
The need for diabetes care and education specialists continues to rise alongside increasing rates of diabetes and prediabetes. At the same time, rapid advancements in technology, like CGM and AID systems, are reshaping care delivery. There is a growing need for clinicians who can interpret data and guide both patients and the healthcare team through increasingly complex treatment decisions.
While DSMES remains the core of the role, the scope of practice has expanded. Many diabetes care and education specialists are now involved in medication management, technology training, behavioral health support, and care coordination.
Future roles will likely require not only strong DSMES education skills, but also comfort with data, devices, and clinical decision-making, creating more diverse and specialized career pathways within the field.
Technology Adoption Is Important, but Inconsistent
Diabetes care and education specialists are increasingly seen as the go-to resource for diabetes technology, yet adoption is not consistent. While many are guiding patients on CGM, pumps, and data interpretation, fewer are using broader digital tools such as telehealth platforms, remote patient monitoring, or social media in practice.
This gap highlights a key opportunity. Clinicians who build skills in digital health, remote monitoring, and data-driven care will be well positioned for future job opportunities.
Job Satisfaction Is High, but Burnout Is Real
One of the most encouraging findings is that job satisfaction remains high, with the majority of respondents reporting they are satisfied in their roles. At the same time, time constraints, work-life balance, and keeping up with evolving technology were among the most commonly reported challenges.
This dual reality reflects a field that is deeply rewarding, but also demanding. Establishing a sustainable practice within a supportive environment will be key to long-term career success.
Aging Workforce, Emerging Opportunity
Another notable finding was the aging of the workforce and the number of professionals nearing retirement. A significant portion of the field has more than 20 years of experience, while relatively few are early in their careers. Nearly one-third of respondents plan to retire within five years, signaling a potential workforce gap on the horizon
While this suggests strong job opportunities for those entering the field, it also highlights a broader need for stronger career pipelines, mentorship, and greater visibility of the role within the profession.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Roles
The survey also highlights areas of future growth, including entrepreneurship, expanded clinical roles, and integration into broader cardiometabolic care. There is increasing emphasis on addressing social determinants of health, as well as providing behavioral and mental health support and integrating emerging tools like AI.
What This Means for Your Future
The field of diabetes care and education is expanding in both scope and impact. Clinicians who will thrive are those who are adaptable, curious, and willing to grow alongside the evolving needs of patients and healthcare systems.
Whether you are early in your career or more established, this is a moment of opportunity. The work remains deeply meaningful, but the way we deliver it is evolving. And if you are in this field, you likely know this is more than “just a job”.
You can read the full practice survey in The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care here:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/26350106251401514
Sarah Hormachea, MS, RD, CDCES, BC-ADM
Owner & Consultant, Sarah Hormachea: Diabetes Care and Education, LLC
Disclosures
Sarah Hormachea is listed as a co-author on the 2025 ADCES National Practice Survey publication referenced in this article. She also serves as an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
References:
1. Brackney DE, Cantazaro M, Duker P, et al. The Diabetes Education Arena: Results of the 2025 ADCES National Practice Survey of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care. 2026;52(1):12-24. doi:10.1177/26350106251401514
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