On a crisp, sunny October 3rd the 2019 Montana Diabetes Education Conference was held in Helena, the State Capitol of Montana. 88 people were in attendance for this annual meeting of professionals dedicated to the care and education of people with diabetes.
The speakers for this meeting dove into accomplishing the main objectives which were to evaluate and discuss how to empower people with diabetes to do their best in managing their diabetes; review and discuss core components of the Quadruple Aim, VISION for the specialty practice of diabetes educators and the need for ValYOU-based language, rounding off the meeting with a review and discussion of the different types, clinical use and application of continuous glucose monitoring.
Joe Solowiejczyk, RN, MSW, CDE got the day started with engaging presentations on “Empowering Patients to do Their Best: Depends on What Diabetes Educator Game Your Bring to the Event” with case study discussions to put these principles into practice. Be prepared to be actively involved in a discussion led by Joe. Everyone in the room was part of this engaging and entertaining session. Some take-aways for all regarding our relationships with the people with diabetes we are working with:
”Make it 3-D(imensional), Make it “Real and Relevant” (it's OK to laugh, cry with and hug (with permission)), Make it a conversation, not a lecture, Make believe that you and the patient are sitting in their kitchen talking over coffee.” Diabetes is real life, tough to live with everyday. Recognize the struggles people are having and establish relationship before diving into “educating.” Thanks to Joe for bringing these concepts alive for us.
Kellie Rodriguez, MSN, MBA, RN, CDE brought her passion and expertise to us in her presentation on the core components of the Quadruple Aim and AADE's VISION for the specialty practice of diabetes care and education. AADE has taken the “Certified Diabetes Educator” credentialing language and changed the title for what we are and do to “Diabetes Care and Education Specialist”. Kellie further discussed the critical need for diabetes care and education specialists to develop ValYOU-based language in how we approach our professional interactions. “How we talk as and about diabetes educators plays an important role in engagement, conceptualization of diabetes educators and our management, treatment outcomes and psycho-social well-being. For diabetes educators, language has an impact on motivation, behaviors and outcomes.” Kellie challenged us all to strategize how we as diabetes care and education specialists can drive organizational change to optimize our special knowledge, skills and abilities to improve clinical and process outcomes. She encouraged us all to be leaders of this change using the inspiring words of John Quincy Adams “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Thank you, Kellie!
Brian Robinson, DO closed out the conference with a detailed presentation on “Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Use in Diabetes”. Dr. Robinson took us on a quick tour of the history of CGM development and devices over the past 20 years. We received an overview of the CGM devices that were developed, are currently on the market and currently in development and how to interpret the data. In describing accuracy of these devices, Dr. Robinson was particularly effective in bringing understanding to the concepts of Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) and Percent 20/20 Rule. (Although, I still have to re-review this information to re-understand it!) He presented valuable information on cost comparisons of the different devices and criteria for insurance coverage. Some of the “pearls from practice” he left with us: “CGM reduces A1c in adults, reduces time in hypoglycemia in adults and children; devices are “accurate” and generally “equal” when used correctly. It is important to taylor CGM selection to patient desire and needs. CGM use of time (or lack thereof) has a great affect on A1c and time in range. CGM is NOT the answer to every issue the person with diabetes is experiencing, Basically, all studies from past decades will need to be performed again to determine if what we know about fingerstick blood glucoses is also true for CGM.” Thank you, Dr. R!
The informal, networking time that we had with our professional friends and product theater vendors was valuable and fun. The networking session during the evening of October 2nd in the product theater provided an opportunity to explore new technology, meet up with old friends, make new friends and establish new professional relationships with diabetes education professionals and product representatives.
Special Recognition for Montana Diabetes Educator of the Year was presented to Leslie Coates, MS, RD, CDE. Leslie has been treasurer for the Montana Diabetes Educators Network (MDEN) for the past 10 years (at least), is a Montana leader in the development of the Diabetes Prevention Program; and innovative provider of both diabetes self-management education and prevention services in her professional capacity. She is also active in advocacy efforts to enhance diabetes self-management education and prevention services at the local and national level. Congratulations, Leslie!
Thank you to the conference planning committee. This meeting is a labor of love for us all.
Deb Bjorsness, MPH, BC-ADM, RD, CDE: MDEN Coordinating Committee Chair
Leslie Coates, MS, RD, CWC, CDE: MDEN Treasurer
Marci Butcher, RD, CDE
Kristine Kilen, RD, CDE: Registration Lead
Kari LaRance, RD, CDE
Lisa Ranes, RD, CDE: MDEN Advocacy Chair
Written by: Colleen Karper, BSN, RN, CDE, Planning Committee Continuing Education Lead