(Schaumburg, IL – January 2026) – The Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of promoting quality diabetes care. The organization was established in 1986 to formalize and validate a specific body of knowledge for multidisciplinary health professionals specializing in diabetes care and education.
CBDCE administers the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist® (CDCES®) and the Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM®) credentials, with nearly 21,000 professionals credentialed, highlighting the strength of our community.
In 1986, nearly 1,250 health professionals took the very first CDCES (formerly CDE®) examination. “We have expanded our role to capture not just the education but the support and care that we provide to people with diabetes. Where we were 40 years ago as we took the first CDCES exam to where we are today is incredible to reflect on,” Joan Bardsley, MBA, RN, CDCES, FAADE, former Chair of the CBDCE Board and inaugural CDCES exam test taker, said.
Over the years, the number of individuals holding the CDCES credential has continued to grow. With the recent addition of the BC-ADM credential, the organization has strengthened its position as the premier certification board in diabetes care and education.
“CBDCE is proud to recognize the incredible healthcare professionals who, for 40 years, have demonstrated through these certifications their commitment to the highest standard of care for people living with diabetes,” said Rebecca DeVivo, MPH, MSW, CHCP, CEO of CBDCE. “We look forward to supporting the community and those they serve for many more years to come.”
Throughout 2026, CBDCE will plan a series of initiatives to honor its certified health professionals on social media platforms. As CBDCE reflects on its accomplishments over the past 40 years, its leadership remains focused on the future growth and innovation.