How a diabetes care & education specialist can help you.
I’ve found that depending on location and access to healthcare resources some individuals have never heard of a diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) or how they can help improve diabetes care.
Here are a few questions that I often get asked about being a CDCES:
What is a CDCES?
A CDCES credential is a healthcare professional that has demonstrated a speciality in supporting and educating individuals with diabetes. They have comprehensive knowledge that is demonstrated by practice hours (working with individuals with diabetes) and passing a board examination to demonstrate knowledge. In order to maintain the credential, professionals are required to take diabetes-related continuing education credits or retake the exam every five years to demonstrate knowledge.
When Should I See a CDCES?
It is never a bad time to seek the help of a CDCES but there are a few times in one’s journey with managing diabetes that it might be especially helpful.
#1: New Diagnosis of Diabetes:
There is so much to learn when you are initially diagnosed with diabetes and oftentimes not enough time during your visit with a healthcare provider to discuss it all. This is a great time to seek out the support from a qualified CDCES in your area for personalized and comprehensive education.
#2. At Annual Check-Ins or When You’re Not Meeting Health Goals
Some individuals like to check-in annually with their CDCES to discuss goals for the year and review their plan of care. It is also important to schedule a visit when you are NOT meeting your health goals and diabetes care has become challenging. We are here to help and provide support during those difficult times.
#3. Faced with a New Challenge
New challenges with diabetes care like modifying a medication regimen, using a new diabetes technology device or simply a change in work/life that requires new goals? This might be a good time to discuss those challenges with CDCES.
#4. Change in Health Care or Stage-of-Life
Our bodies change throughout our life and often so do our needs when it comes to diabetes management. Pregnancy, illness, injury, and changes as we age might mean new challenges with diabetes care. A change in health or stage-of-life is a good opportunity to discuss a plan with a CDCES.
How Do I find a CDCES in my area?
If you are looking for an individual to help support your diabetes care ask if they have the CDCES credential. You can also search the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists webpage to find an accredited diabetes education program or educator in your area www.diabeteseducator.org
Live in Maryland? Book an appointment with me.