Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialists: How They Help Manage and Educate Patients
Taking care of diabetes is a team effort. Specialists who focus on diabetes care play a big role in helping patients manage their health. These specialists provide valuable care management and education that can have a big impact on quality of life for folks living with diabetes.
One of the most important players on any care team is the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, or CDCES.
CDCES Care Team Overview
CDCESs are “healthcare professionals who educate and support people living with diabetes,” helping them modify behaviors, create treatment goals and optimize health outcomes.
Needless to say, CDCESs can be a huge asset towards achieving a life lived whole.
Here’s how they can help.
10 Ways Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists Can Help Individuals Manage Their Condition
- Education: CDCESs may teach patients about diabetes—what it is, how it affects the body, and how to manage it. They explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Personalized Care Plans: CDCESs might create plans tailored to each person’s needs. They consider things like age, lifestyle, and other health conditions to make an individualized plan that works best.
- Medication Guidance: CDCESs may help patients understand their medications—how they work, when to take them, side effects to watch for and different options available.
- Nutrition Advice: CDCESs might give advice on healthy eating to manage blood sugar levels. They may recommend meal plans and cooking tips for making good food choices.
- Exercise Recommendations: CDCESs talk about the importance of physical activity and help create an exercise plan suitable for each person.
- Monitoring and Testing: Specialists guide patients on how to track their blood sugar levels and help explain how to use devices like glucose meters and interpret the results.
- Prevention of Complications: CDCESs help patients understand diabetes-related complication risks and ways to prevent them. They also share insights on how to avoid problems like nerve damage or eye issues.
- Emotional Support: Dealing with diabetes can be tough emotionally. CDCESs offer support, listen to concerns and provide guidance on coping strategies.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Team: CDCESs work with other healthcare professionals – like doctors, nurses, and dietitians – to provide help with things like scheduling regular visits, answering questions and tracking progress.
- Access to Resources: CDCESs connects patients with resources like support groups, educational materials, and community programs that can offer additional help and information.
Our CDCESs Have Your Back
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are coaches, supporting and guiding patients throughout their journey. CCS has a team of Diabetes Educators supporting patients on their health journey. They share education through blogs and live webinars. With their help, individuals living with diabetes can better understand their condition, manage their health effectively, and live a life they can love. If you have questions or need support, our CDCESs are here to help.
Author: Kelley Soucy, RN, CDCES | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
