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Recently Diagnosed?
Diabetes can be overwhelming. You can feel empowered and have peace of mind with the support of a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and/or health professional holding the Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management certification.
Turn the unknown into understanding.
The Value of a CDCES
Diabetes Management
CBDCE certified individuals can help you gain knowledge about a broad range of topics affecting diabetes management
Information on the 4 key times for DSMES (Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support)
Problem Solving
Having a plan when an unusual situation arises is a must for people living with diabetes. You can obtain help to develop problem-solving skills that can help you avoid a crisis.
Healthy Coping
Living with chronic illness can take a toll. You can learn how to develop strategies for coping so you can work through psychological, physical and emotional issues as you learn to live with diabetes.
Being Active
You’ll learn about the benefits of staying active. Regular activity will help you lose weight, improve your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol and control your blood glucose.
Taking Medication
Medications to treat diabetes and related conditions are available to you. You’ll learn about the medications you are taking, including how to use insulin.
Commonly Asked Questions
What does a CDCES do?
A CDCES educates and supports people affected by diabetes to understand and manage the condition. A CDCES promotes self-management to achieve individualized behavioral and treatment goals that optimize health outcomes. CDCESs have passed a rigorous exam to show they have the knowledge to provide the education persons with diabetes need to manage their conditions.
Who is a BC-ADM® Certification Holder?
The professional holding the Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM®) certification skillfully manages complex patient needs and assists people at risk for and with diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions with therapeutic problem-solving. Within their discipline's scope of practice and licensure, health professionals who hold the BCADM certification may adjust (and in some cases, prescribe) medications, treat, and monitor acute and chronic complications and other comorbidities, counsel people living with diabetes on lifestyle modifications, address psychosocial issues, and participate in research and mentoring. Holding the BCADM credential does not confer a change in scope beyond current licensure or registration.
How can a CDCES help me?
Successful self-management of diabetes involves knowledge about a broad range of topics such as healthy eating, taking medication, being active, and healthy coping. It’s not easy to gain all of the necessary knowledge without help. This is where your CDCES comes in.
I see my physician, isn't that enough?
Diabetes care and education is a collaborative process involving you and other health professionals such as nurses, dietitian nutritionists, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, optometrists, physical therapists, podiatrists, clinical exercise specialists, PAs, or exercise physiologists. Consulting with a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist may lead to better outcomes. They partner with both you and your family on how to manage and improve your health.
I have just been diagnosed and have a referral to see a CDCES. What can I expect now?
The process varies from person to person. Generally speaking, once you get a referral from your provider you will spend some one-on-one time with your CDCES for an assessment and basic education. You may then be referred to group classes, or additional individual sessions based on your needs, where you will learn about skills to manage the disease in a variety of areas, including healthy eating, being active, taking medication, problem solving, reducing risks, monitoring, healthy coping, etc. You will also schedule follow-up visits as needed.
How does someone become a CDCES?
Diabetes care and education specialists are health professionals who must meet rigorous requirements before they are eligible to take the CDCES exam. Besides meeting a discipline requirement, e.g., license, registration, or advanced degree, requirements related to the individual’s experience as a health professional, including providing diabetes care and education to persons with diabetes, must be met. In addition, candidates must obtain continuing education related to diabetes. Eligible candidates must then take and pass a rigorous exam that covers the different areas related to managing the disease in order to earn their CDCES credential. They are also required to renew the credential every five years. Renewal helps to ensure that CDCESs continue to maintain and enhance their knowledge.
I want to work with a CDCES. What do I do first?
In most cases, you will need a referral from your provider. If your provider does not offer a referral to a CDCES, ask for one. You may also contact a CDCES near you and they will likely be able to walk you through the process. Find a CDCES near you.
How can I find a CDCES?
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists can be found in many different healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices, private practice and clinics, to name a few. Find a CDCES near you.
How much does it cost to consult a CDCES?
Costs vary and, in some cases, may be covered by medical insurance. Consult with a CDCES in your area to find out the specific costs associated with their services or your insurance provider for coverage.
Have more questions?
Contact us to learn more about diabetes care and education.
Locate a Specialist
Are you ready to partner with a CDCES to help manage your diabetes and improve your health outcomes? Use the Locate a CDCES Directory to find a CDCES near you.
November is National Diabetes Month
Every November, the NIDDK, ADA and other organizations work to bring attention to diabetes.
Learn More
The American Diabetes Association (ADA)
ADA's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The moving force behind the work of the American Diabetes Association is a network of more than 565,000 volunteers, their families and caregivers, a professional society of nearly 20,000 health care professionals, as well as more than 250 staff members.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.
Additional Diabetes Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
More than 38 million Americans are living with diabetes (about 1 in 10 people) and approximately 90-95% of those individuals are living with type 2 diabetes. Visit the CDC's website for additional information on type 2 diabetes. For information on type 1 diabetes, click here.
like one big family
Every CDCES that I have met at local and national meetings are so excited to share their ideas; it is like one big family who really cares about treating people with diabetes and helping each other to do better in our careers. How can someone not be excited to join such a group!