From the Guidelines
A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), now known as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), is a crucial member of the diabetes care team, providing personalized education and support to patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) to achieve better glycemic control, reduce complications, and improve quality of life. These specialists have completed specific training and certification in diabetes management and must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their credentials. CDCESs work with patients to develop personalized diabetes management plans, teaching essential skills like blood glucose monitoring, medication management, insulin administration techniques, and proper use of devices like glucose meters and insulin pens. They provide crucial education on nutrition, meal planning, carbohydrate counting, and understanding food labels. CDCESs also help patients recognize and manage hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, develop exercise routines appropriate for their condition, and address psychological aspects of living with diabetes.
Some key aspects of diabetes management include:
- Monitoring hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentrations every 3 months and intensifying treatment if treatment goals are not being met 1
- Advising patients to monitor finger-stick blood glucose concentrations in certain situations, such as when taking insulin or other medications with a risk of hypoglycemia 1
- Encouraging children and adolescents with T2DM to engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise for at least 60 minutes daily and to limit nonacademic “screen time” to less than 2 hours a day 1
- Incorporating dietary or nutrition counseling, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Pediatric Weight Management Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines, in the management of patients with T2DM 1
Patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, those struggling with glucose control, or individuals starting insulin therapy would particularly benefit from CDCES consultation, as they can provide guidance on developing personalized diabetes management plans and addressing specific challenges associated with T2DM. While the provided evidence does not directly discuss the role of CDEs in T2DM management, it highlights the importance of comprehensive diabetes care, including lifestyle modifications, medication management, and ongoing monitoring and support 1.
From the Research
Definition and Role of CDE in T2DM
- A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who has undergone specialized training and certification to provide education and support to individuals with diabetes, including those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) 2, 3.
- The role of a CDE in the setting of T2DM includes providing medical nutrition therapy, facilitating weight loss, and promoting lifestyle modifications to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications 2, 4.
Responsibilities and Practices of CDE
- CDEs work with patients to set goals for diabetes control, including dietary and exercise practices, and provide education on self-management techniques 3.
- They may also provide counseling on behavioral therapy and facilitate patient lifestyle modification to promote weight loss and improve overall health 2, 4.
- CDEs may vary in their approaches to working with patients, but most report using patient-centered practices as promoted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 3.
Importance of CDE in T2DM Management
- Diabetes self-management education (DSME) provided by CDEs has been shown to be effective in improving lifestyle changes and self-care in patients with T2DM 4.
- CDEs play a critical role in helping patients with T2DM achieve significant improvements in measures of glycemic control, lipids, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors 2, 4.
- The training of CDEs, such as Comprehensive Diabetes and Non-Communicable Disease Educators, requires fulfillment of sufficient hours of practical work experience under supervision and achievement of essential competencies 5.