Level 1 | Diabetes Fundamentals | 11 CEs

One Year Subscription | 6 online courses | Earn 11 CEs

This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.

Diabetes Fundamentals Sessions 2025 Webinar Updates

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

Plus, they prepare you to advance to our Level 2 Standards of Care Intensive Courses. The majority of students that take this bundle, go on to pass the exam. Check out our Graduate Success Stories. 

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

Courses included in Level 1 Series:

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.

Objectives:

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

Learning Outcome:

Attendees will have increased knowledge and be able to articulate the different types of diabetes, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria that can be applied to their practice.

Class 2: Nutrition & 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 provide realistic strategies to help keep individuals active and engaged.

Objectives:

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

Learning Outcome:

Attendees will be able to articulate the medical nutrition therapy and acitivity fundatmentals and discuss the impact of weight stigma on individuals with diabetes.

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.

Objectives:

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

Learning Outcome:

The diabetes care team will have an increased knowledge of the best medication recommendations based on person-specific factors and will be able to provide accurate information to people with diabetes on each of the anti-hyperglycemic medications and what to expect.

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.

Objectives:

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

Learning Outcome:

The diabetes care team will have an increased knowledge of the appropriate insulin therapy based on person-specific factors and will be able to provide education and training to people with diabetes.

Class 5: Goals of Care

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. 

Objectives:

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

Learning Outcome:

Attendees will be able to articulate the most recent goals of care risk including steps involved in lower extremity assessment and integrate these concepts into their clinical practice and education.

Class 6: Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Foot Care, & Monitoring

This session reviews cause & 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.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the risk & prevention of hypoglycemia.
2. Strategies to get the most out of blood glucose monitoring & technology.
3. Review sick day management, from hospital to home.
4. Describe behavior change roadblocks & workarounds.

Learning Outcome:

Participants will summarize the importance of monitoring blood glucose and steps to prevent, detect, and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia associated with sick days, and apply to their practice.

Content Included: Each course includes a video presentation of the webinar with handouts, a podcast version, additional helpful resources, a brief required survey, a practice test, and your CE Certificate once completed.

Target Audience:

This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs/RDNs, 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 prediabetes, diabetes, and other related conditions. The practice areas for RDs/RDNs for CDR reporting are healthcare, preventative care, wellness, and, lifestyle along with, education and research. 

Instructors: Beverly Thomassian RN, MPH, CDCES, BC-ADM has been a working educator and a nationally recognized diabetes expert for over 25 years.

Christine Craig, MS, RD, CDCES, winner of the 2023 Impact on Diabetes Award, is a leader in the field of nutrition, technology, and diabetes care. Her years of expertise combined with her person-centered approach and work ethic, make her a perfect speaker for this nutrition and activity-focused content.

Fee: $119.00 (Group Discounts Available) 

Level Flyer: Click here to download.

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 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.