Blogs

Online Education for Chronic Diseases: Transforming Patient Education for Better Outcomes

By Samantha Hammond posted 2 days ago
Online Education for Chronic Diseases: Transforming Patient Education for Better Outcomes As healthcare professionals, you know that patients and families are often overwhelmed by the complexities of managing ongoing conditions. Traditional education models can be time-consuming, difficult to access, and may not address individual learning needs. Online education for chronic disease self-management offers an innovative, flexible approach—enabling tailored, patient-centered support directly to learners’ homes. This evolution in health education can empower clients to manage their chronic disease more effectively, facilitating better outcomes and engagement ...

Requesting Nebraska Support for DSMT, MNT, TROA

By Sarah Keegan posted 13 days ago
Late June I joined 60+ ADCES members to meet with more than 100 Congressional offices as part of ADCES’ Public Policy Forum. For Nebraska, I had the pleasure of meeting with Caitlyn Graves, Legislative Assistant to our Senator Deb Fischer and Evan Marquardt, Legislative Assistant to District 3 Representative Adrian Smith. Both assistants had good clarifying questions and said they would take our information back for review. We requested support for the following 3 Acts : Expanding Access to DSMT Act Treat and Reduce Obesity Act , and Medical Nutrition Therapy Act If you agree, please h elp ...

Online GLP-1 Sellers Often Skip Clinician Oversight. What DCES Need to know

By Samuel Grossman posted 14 days ago
With the increase in advertisement medication for obesity management, many individuals purchase online GLP-1receptor agonists . A recent article in Jama network highlighted specific issues that should concern DCES. Chetty et al. found that most online GLP‑1 RA vendors issued prescriptions with minimal clinician involvement, relying heavily on patient‑reported questionnaires that may omit critical clinical and psychosocial details. DCES should counsel their patients that rapid online prescribing may bypass essential safety checks, including verification of comorbidities, medication interactions, and eating‑disorder risk. Patients should also be advised that ...

Peer Support: An Untapped Resource in Diabetes Care

By Dawn Hebert posted 06-19-2026
Peer Support: An Untapped Resource in Diabetes Care For many individuals, living with diabetes can feel isolating. While healthcare professionals provide essential clinical expertise, education, and guidance, they may not always be able to offer something equally valuable—the perspective of lived experience. Sometimes the most powerful words a person with diabetes can hear are, "I've been there too." As healthcare systems continue to address rising rates of diabetes, workforce shortages, increasing demands on educators, and persistent health disparities, peer support is emerging as a powerful yet underutilized tool for improving outcomes and expanding ...

The Importance of Diabetes Advocacy Training/Day

By Samuel Grossman posted 06-18-2026
Every day, I am reminded how essential diabetes care and education professionals are to patient outcomes. One theme keeps emerging in my conversation with colleagues, together we can shape tomorrow. We can i nfluence the future of diabetes care and education, and support people with or at risk of developing diabetes. On June 24th, ADCES will host a virtual Public Policy forum. The training will discuss ADCES 2026 priorities and key pending legislation, educate on current federal legislation affecting diabetes care, and teach effective communication techniques with legislators and staff. On June 25th, ADCES will have Virtual Hill Day, to engage congressional ...

What's Actually In Energy Drinks?

By Patricia Talio posted 06-01-2026
Energy Drink Ingredients: What’s Really in the Can? | The Well by Northwell A registered dietitian explains what the ingredients really mean, and what to check before you buy. By Patricia Talio , Registered Dietitian, Northwell Health • Linda DiProperzio , Writer There’s a certain kind of modern optimism baked into the energy drink aisle. Every can seems to promise that your problem isn’t exhaustion, exactly. It’s that you haven’t met the right blend of taurine, B vitamins, guarana, and “natural energy.” Need to be sharper at 3 p.m.? Dragging before a workout? Tired in a way that feels vaguely existential? There’s ...

The Hidden Work of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

By Dawn Hebert posted 05-22-2026
The Hidden Work of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists By Dawn Hebert, RN, MSN, CDCES When most people think about diabetes care, they often picture medications, glucose numbers, insulin doses, or nutrition counseling. What many do not see is the enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work happening every single day by Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (DCES). The truth is, diabetes education has never been just about teaching carbohydrates or reviewing blood sugar logs. Modern diabetes care is deeply personal, emotionally complex, and often filled with barriers that extend far beyond the clinic walls. Behind every successful patient outcome is ...

Newly revised paper on vaccination for ADCES based on 2026 ADA and CDC recommendations

By Samuel Grossman posted 05-15-2026
I would like to urge you to review the revised recommendations from ADCES's professional Practice committee titled Reducing Risks With Vaccinations: Recommendations for Adults and Children Living With Diabetes. With the different recommendations by the CDC and ADA, the ADCES revised paper has clear recommendations for both children and adults. I find it easier to use as a reference when I see patient that require vaccinations https://www.adces.org/docs/default-source/practice/practice-documents/practice-papers/vaccinespracticepaper_2026.pdf?sfvrsn=d2669059_3&utm_campaign=6882651-Member%20Digest&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--YiJYH12LDOol93 ...

New ADCES connect

By Samuel Grossman posted 04-16-2026
I am so excited about the new ADCES Connect. It makes engaging tools that ADCES offers much easier. In the past, I found it difficult to jump between pages to see discussions or events. The new ADCES connect simplifies navigation of the website. I urge you to check it out Here what the ADCES connect offers: Inside the new ADCES Connect you can: Connect with colleagues in your state coordinating body and local networking groups Join conversations in 20+ communities of interest and discussion groups Access member-only resources like presentations, tools and shared materials See relevant discussions, ...

Is Therapeutic inertia in diabetes care still an issue?

By Samuel Grossman posted 04-13-2026
Couple of years ago, I published an article about therapeutic inertia in diabetes care. I was hoping that to bring awareness to the problem of healthcare failure to initiate or intensify medical treatment when the patient's goals are not met. With the initiation of CGM devices, once daily GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the acceptance of newer therapies in diabetes into various formularies, I thought that the problem would be reduced. In practice, I still observe therapeutic inertia in diabetes care. However, in institutions and clinics where DCES practice, I observed fewer incidents. The acceptance of AI into primary care has the potential to revolutionize ...

Once weekly basal insulin FDA approval

By KACY ADERHOLD posted 04-01-2026
Hello! A once weekly basal insulin, insulin icodec-abae, was approved by the FDA last week as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Awiqli (" A-week-ly") is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, and availability in the U.S. is expected in coming months. Insulin icodec works by binding to serum albumin resulting in a gradual release with half-life around 1 week, thus allowing once weekly dosing. This is an important option for insulin-requiring adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the burden of daily injections. Feel free to use the linked Awiqli Quick Tips sheet if you find it helpful. I would love to hear ...

Happy New Year from the WV LNG

By Mary Treadway posted 01-05-2026
Hi to all of our WV CDCES! Starting this month, we will be sharing different posts and looking at offering some CME opportunities virtually since we will not have a conference hosted by the WV LNG until next year. I am also attaching the Save the Date for the May 1st and May 2nd Tri-State Conference. It will be at Oglebay Resort, which is located in Wheeling, WV. Mary 14 th Annual State Diabetes Conference Title: TBD Dates: Friday, May 1st & Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 Where: Oglebay, Wheeling WV More to come in the New Year. Happy Holidays from your PA/DE/WV Coordinating Body!!

2026 ADA Standards of Care - Weight Reduction Goals

By KACY ADERHOLD posted 01-02-2026
Hello and Happy New Year! The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released the Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2026 last month! What revisions got your attention? The Summary of Revisions include a goal of 5-7% weight loss for people with overweight or obesity throughout the issue (ADA, 2026). The Diabetes Prevention Program Group has guided us toward a 7% weight reduction goal along with 150 minutes of exercise weekly to delay or prevent progression from prediabetes to diabetes since 2002. The 2026 ADA Standards of Care revisions now include a 5-7% weight loss goal in the Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-Being to Improve Health ...

2026 ADA Standards of Care - Weight Reduction Goals

By KACY ADERHOLD posted 01-02-2026
Hello and Happy New Year! The American Diabetes Association (ADA) released the Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2026 last month! What revisions got your attention? The Summary of Revisions include a goal of 5-7% weight loss for people with overweight or obesity throughout the issue (ADA, 2026). The Diabetes Prevention Program Group has guided us toward a 7% weight reduction goal along with 150 minutes of exercise weekly to delay or prevent progression from prediabetes to diabetes since 2002. The 2026 ADA Standards of Care revisions now include a 5-7% weight loss goal in the Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-Being to Improve Health ...

Welcome to 2026: A Fresh Chapter for the Maine ADCES Community

By Rachel Koransky-Matson posted 01-01-2026
As we step into 2026, the Maine network of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) is excited to welcome you into a year of growth, connection, and renewed purpose. Over the past year, our board has been listening closely—to your feedback, your needs, and the realities of practicing diabetes care and education in Maine. The result is a thoughtful refresh designed with you at the center. What’s New (and What’s Coming) In 2026, you’ll begin to see: A refreshed online presence that makes it easier to find resources, events, and updates More meaningful opportunities for connection , including statewide discussions ...

Dietary Fiber Intake and Prostate Cancer Outcomes

By Lauren Plunkett posted 11-17-2025
Dietary Fiber Intake and Prostate Cancer Outcomes and All-Cause Mortality: Findings From a Secondary Analysis of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Study This observational analysis examined how higher dietary fiber intake is associated with the risk of developing prostate cancer, prostate-cancer specific mortality, and all-cause mortality. The authors analyzed data from large screening and follow-up cohorts, comparing men in higher vs lower tertiles of fiber intake. They found that greater fiber consumption was linked with lower incidence of prostate cancer (in certain screening arms) and lower risk of death from all ...

New research: Why Your Daily Walk Might Not Work as Well if You're on Metformin

By Geraldine Pierre posted 11-09-2025
Some pretty eye-opening research coming out of Rutgers University et. al. regarding metformin and exercise. No matter the intensity of exercise you're doing, metformin seems to block the benefits people with diabetes should get from exercise. I look forward to more coming out about this. What are your thoughts? Why Your Daily Walk Might Not Work as Well if You're on Metformin Rutgers remove preview Why Your Daily Walk Might Not Work as Well if You're on Metformin A widely-prescribed diabetes drug may be sabotaging one of the most trusted strategies for preventing the disease: exercise. That is the conclusion of ...

Menopause and Diabetes

By Taylor Pennisi posted 10-02-2025
Menopause and Diabetes By: Ramona Hrysikos, MSN Ed, FNP-C, FNP-BC, CDCES, BC-ADM Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life. It can bring a variety of physical and emotional changes. For women already managing diabetes, the onset of menopause can add a layer of complexity to an already demanding health routine and overall health. The hormonal changes during menopause and the significant decline in estrogen and progesterone levels can impact insulin sensitivity. Glucose regulation and metabolism are affected by Estrogen levels. Estrogen has a role in regulating glucose metabolism, and when its levels drop, insulin resistance can ...

Sliding Scale Insulin

By Taylor Pennisi posted 06-26-2025
Sliding Scale Insulin What is sliding scale insulin (SSI)? SSI is a method used to manage blood glucose levels by adjusting the insulin dose based on the patient’s current blood glucose level It is frequently seen in place of prandial insulin in the outpatient setting - when combined with basal insulin, this is referred to as a “sliding scale-basal insulin” regimen Pros & Cons of SSI Pros: Easily adjustable Can be personalized for each patient Cons: Sliding Scale insulin is based on pre-meal glucose levels with no regard to post-meal spike Rather than preventing hyperglycemia, it ...

Lights, Camera, ACTION!!!! The Networking Event is HERE

By Ann Hornsby posted 06-11-2025
The Thursday before all of the ADCES25 activity, a very important event takes place…………The CB (Community Board)/LNG (Local Networking Group)/COI (Community of Interest) Networking event. It’s an opportunity for members to mingle with other members, introduce themselves to other states, local networking groups and Communities of Interest. Why is this important - we get to connect. Connecting to others is a valuable asset because we learn from others and others learn from you. It’s important to come into the room and start introducing yourself - Don’t be shy, just say HI! Here’s how it works - each state or community of interests will have a table. ...