Janice Baker
MBA, RDN, CNSC, BC-ADM, CDCES® 
In practice for 43 years, proud CDCES since 1992

The inspiration for seeking the CDCES credential was deeply personal and rooted in my family's experiences with diabetes. I vividly remember my grandfather declining cookies due to his diabetes condition and reading the prescription bottle of Tolbutamide with curiosity. In high school, my father began exhibiting signs of hyperglycemia, which I now understand were due to family stressors. His struggle with diabetes, as I examined his 'exchange book for diabetes' and his vial/ syringes for insulin, was a mystery to me. But I could see the toll it took on him physically and mentally.  As a printer, he even had to wear two pairs of glasses to see the typesetting and machinery that was part of his trade. Unfortunately, diabetes complications developed, and he passed away 20 years later. This personal connection to diabetes has deeply influenced my journey to becoming a CDCES. 

During my dietetic internship, I had the invaluable opportunity to work at a camp for children with diabetes. In 1982, we did not have glucose meters, so urine testing and lineups for insulin injections were the standards of care, along with meal cards at the dining hall. Starting my first job as a dietitian in a hospital in 1983, I collaborated with a nurse who became a crucial mentor in my journey. She taught me about diabetes management and shared her study materials to apply and prepare for the CDCES (formerly CDE) exam. Her guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my career. Thirty-two years later, and with a variety of acute care, home health, outpatient care, eating disorder treatment /diabetes management experience, and media work, I am still fascinated and excited to continue working in this specialty. The role of mentors in my journey has been crucial, and I encourage aspiring CDCESs to seek such guidance. 

What or Who Motivated You to Become a CDCES?

As mentioned, loved ones and their experiences provided the “why,” and working with children at the camp for diabetes. Meeting colleagues, including inspiring nurses and local endocrinologists who were there to educate and answer questions, sent people with diabetes to me for nutrition and diabetes education. But mostly, meeting people in the hospital and outpatient settings inspired me to do my best to listen and comfort them with diabetes challenges and provide personalized diabetes care and education based on their goals. Patient-centered care is at the heart of what I do, and their trust and appreciation keep me motivated. The value of patient-centered care in my work as a CDCES cannot be overstated.

Has Holding the CDCES Credential Provided You with Additional Professional Opportunities? 

Absolutely! The CDCES credential has expanded opportunities for me in television, radio, and educational webinars for a variety of organizations on the role of diabetes management in aspects of health care. It also provided me with consulting opportunities in the food service, technology, and pharmaceutical industries.

What Would You Say to Someone Who is Considering Becoming a CDCES?

I would encourage health professionals to find mentors and opportunities to learn about diabetes through continuing education, conferences, and volunteer work to expose yourself to all facets of diabetes care and management, including the bio-psycho-social aspects (which consider the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence diabetes and its management)—additionally, emphasizing that there is no end to learning with the constant developments in technology, therapies, and research, and evolving understanding of the multiple factors influencing glycemic management. I would encourage health professionals to find mentors and opportunities to learn about diabetes through continuing education, conferences, and volunteer work to expose yourself to all facets of diabetes care and management, including the bio-psycho-social aspects (which consider the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence diabetes and its management)—additionally, emphasizing that there is no end to learning with the constant developments in technology, therapies, and research, and evolving understanding of the multiple factors influencing glycemic management.

Share an Achievement or Special Moment You’ve had as a CDCES.

While the honors of being chosen as a speaker and spokesperson in my role as a CDCES are outstanding and assisting in professional education programs for colleagues have also been an honor, the most rewarding moments have been the comments, cards and notes from people thanking me for being there to listen, helping them find their solutions for diabetes care issues, and feeling heard, instead of a problem to be fixed. This is a part of my legacy, as I may be able to be there for them in ways that I wasn’t able to for my family members. 

If you want to be featured in a future CDCES Story, please contact Susan Hall.