We are thrilled to celebrate Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, BC-ADM, FADCES, FCCP, on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Educator in Diabetes Award at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions — one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field. Diana serves as the co-director of endocrine disorders in pregnancy and the director of education and training in diabetes technology at the Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute. A passionate advocate for access to the latest technologies and therapeutics for all people with diabetes, she speaks on diabetes-related topics nationally and internationally and co-hosts the popular podcast Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics and Real-World Perspectives. As a former member of the CBDCE Credentials Committee, Diana has long championed certification across the entire diabetes care team, helping to elevate the standard of care for patients everywhere. We had the privilege of asking Diana a few questions about this milestone and what drives her passion for the field. Here is what she had to say:
1. What does this recognition mean to you?
The recognition is a huge honor, and I have so much gratitude to all the people in my life that helped me get here. I am especially excited about my award presentation titled, “Behind Every Number is a Story: Transforming Diabetes Care and Education through Technology and Human Connection.” In this talk, I describe my journey as a pharmacist and diabetes care and education specialist and highlight how we can transform diabetes care and education by combining diabetes technology and the human touch.
2. You hold both the CDCES and BC-ADM credentials — how have those certifications shaped your career as a diabetes care and education specialist?
I started with the BC-ADM because I felt that really supported my role as a PharmD doing medication management. I started my career in the VA system within a primary care setting where I worked with veterans that mostly had type 2 diabetes. That was how I accrued the hours. Over time, I decided to also pursue the CDCES because of how well-known the credential is. I am proud to have both. And now I work with a diverse population within Cleveland Clinic seeing all forms of diabetes.
3. In your experience, what separates a good diabetes care and education specialist from a GREAT one?
We all have the ability to be great. A great Diabetes Care Education Specialist (DCES) always puts the person with diabetes first, and thinks what if this was my mom or my child? How would I want them to be treated? I also think a great DCES thinks creatively and outside of the box. We are all unique and therefore diabetes care and education needs to be individualized and tailored. This is not a cookie cutter profession which is what makes it exciting and every day different. Also, I think a great DCES is not afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraid to take on an extra project, presentation, journal article, or research. Don’t be afraid to try a new way of educating, adding new tools. It’s through stretching ourselves and taking these risks that we can discover our true potential and exceed what we thought we were capable of.
4. What would you say to a clinician who is thinking about pursuing a CBDCE certification?
Just do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There are so many people with diabetes that need our help, so please join the club and help!
5. With the rapid pace of change in diabetes technology what advice do you have for CBDCE certification who are trying to keep up?
It’s exciting how much innovation there is with diabetes technologies and therapeutics. I have a podcast I do with Natalie Bellink DNP. BC-ADM, CDCES called “Diabetes Dialogue: Technology, Therapeutics and Real-World Perspectives.” We love to share the latest developments. We have around 200 episodes over the last 4 years. Additionally, there are so many great resources like ADCES’s Danatech, the Barbara Davis Panther Tools, Diatribe, and DiabetesWise just to name a few. Also attending meetings like ADA and ADCES are great ways to stay up to date.
We congratulate Diana on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the continued impact she will make in diabetes education for years to come.