The CDCES Exam Success Strategy Course:

A. Learning

1. Goals and needs of the learner

2. Learning readiness (attitudes, developmental level, etc.)

3. Preferred learning styles (audio, visual, etc.)

4. Technology literacy and use

5. Challenges to learning (cultural values, family dynamics, etc.)

6. Physical capabilities/limitations

7. Readiness to change behavior

B. Health and Psychosocial Status

1. Diabetes-relevant health history

2. General health history

3. Diabetes-specific physical assessment

4. Data trends (laboratory and self-collected)

5. Current use of technology

6. Treatment fears and myths

7. Family/caregiver dynamics and social supports

8. Substance use

9. Life transitions

10. Mental health status

11. Challenges to diabetes self-care practices


C. Knowledge and Self-Management Practices

1. Disease process

2. Eating habits and preferences

3. Activity habits and preferences

4. Monitoring (blood glucose, ketones, etc.)

5. Record keeping

6. Medication taking habits

7. Use of health care resources

8. Risk reduction9. Problem-solving

A. Collaborate with Individual/Family/Caregiver/Health Care Team to Develop:

1. Individualized education plan based on assessment
2. Instructional methods
3. Goals for lifestyle changes

B. Educate Based on Individualized Care Strategies
1. General topics
2. Living with diabetes and prediabetes
3. Monitoring
4. Nutrition principles and guidelines
5. Activity
6. Medication management
7. Acute complications: causes, prevention, and treatment
8. Chronic complications and comorbidities: causes, prevention, and treatment
9. Problem-solving and other management issues

C. Evaluate, Revise, and Document
1. Weight, blood glucose patterns, eating habits, medication management, activity
2. Self-reports and/or device downloaded reports
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
4. Individual’s plan for the continuum of care with health care team and follow-up education and support

D. Referral, Support, and Follow Up
1. Issues requiring referral
2. Support
3. Communication between diabetes educator and health care team

A. Education Services Standards
1. Apply National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

B. Clinical Practice
1. Apply practice standards
2. Implement and support population management strategies
3. Identify medical errors and employ risk mitigation strategies
4. Mentor staff (clinical and non-clinical) and/or lay leaders in need of education
5. Advocate formulary management of diabetes medications and supplies

C. Diabetes Advocacy
1. Promote primary and secondary diabetes prevention strategies
2. Participate in community awareness, health fairs, media

This extensive module concentrates on collaborative approaches and personalized care strategies to achieve the best outcomes in diabetes management. Topics include:

• Developing individualized education plans based on thorough assessments.
• Implementing diverse instructional methods to optimize learning experiences.
• Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals and utilizing the AADE-7 framework for lifestyle changes.
• Educating on critical topics like classification, pathophysiology, and risk factors.
• Empowering individuals to cope with psychosocial challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

A core component of diabetes care, nutrition management is explored in this segment, covering:

• Comprehensive guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Understanding carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with their impact on blood glucose levels.
• Integrating food and medication for optimal results.
• Interpreting food labels and making informed dietary choices.