Ever since the doctor told you that you have diabetes, you've felt a huge burden and responsibility on your mind, haven't you? You have to think twice about the food you eat, take your medicine on time, check your blood sugar levels, exercise... With all this, you may sometimes feel alone and have a hard time managing these things. But you're not alone. There is a health professional who has received special training to help you on this journey, to strengthen you, and to teach you how to live successfully with diabetes. Let's talk about who they are today.
Who is this Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)?
Simply put, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is a healthcare professional with in-depth knowledge of diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes prevention. This is like a special qualification. Previously, they were known as CDEs, which stands for Certified Diabetes Educator .
Think about it this way. Your doctor prescribes diabetes medication, checks your blood tests, and creates a treatment plan. But how do you fit that treatment plan into your daily life? How do you prepare your meals? What do you do if your blood sugar drops while exercising? What exactly do you need to know when injecting insulin? A CDCES is there to teach you about practical things like that, listen to your questions, and encourage you.
Their main goal is not to leave you alone with diabetes. Instead, it is to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to successfully self-manage your diabetes.
Who can access this expertise?
To get this CDCES qualification, you first have to be a recognized health professional. Then you have to get special training and many hours of experience in diabetes, and then pass an exam. That means these people know a lot about diabetes.
Only a few of the health professionals we know best in Sri Lanka can obtain this expertise.
| Profession | Simply the way we know it |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) / Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Registered Nurse / Specially Trained Nurse |
| Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) | Registered Nutritionist/Dietary Consultant |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Doctor |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | Medical assistant (a profession in some countries) |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | A pharmacist with a special degree |
How exactly does a CDCES help you?
A CDCES is like a companion and guide on your diabetes journey. They work with you as a team. They understand your lifestyle, likes, dislikes, and challenges, and help you manage your diabetes in a way that works for you.
Types of diabetes they help with
These specialists can help people with various types of diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Autoimmune diabetes conditions that occur in adulthood, such as LADA (latent autoimmune diabetes of adults)
- Rare types of diabetes like MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young)
- It also helps prevent those at risk of developing diabetes (prediabetes) from developing into full-blown diabetes.
What do they teach you?
Their knowledge is very extensive. They can explain anything related to diabetes in a simple way that you can understand.
| What is taught (Topic of Education) | What does it simply say? |
|---|---|
| Causes and symptoms | It explains exactly why diabetes develops and what its symptoms are. |
| Controlling sugar spikes and drops | We will teach you what to do when your blood sugar suddenly increases (hyperglycemia) and decreases (hypoglycemia), and how to prevent it. |
| Diet and exercise | About the effects of the foods you eat and the exercise you do on your blood sugar levels. Things like what kind of food is good and how much you should eat. |
| Blood sugar measurement | How to accurately check your blood sugar levels at home with a glucometer, and what to understand from those readings. |
| Medication and insulin | Explains the correct way to use the medications and insulin injections you have been given, and how they work in the body. |
| Diabetes complications | The effects that diabetes can have on the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves, and how to prevent them. |
| Modern technology | You will be informed about new technologies, for example, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices and insulin pumps. |
In addition, they will discuss with your doctor any issues you may have with your treatment plan, such as financial difficulties in obtaining medication or diabetes equipment, and help you find a solution.
When do you need to meet with a CDCES?
The short answer to this is, anytime .
Whether you just found out you have diabetes today or have had it for 10 years, you can still get help from a CDCES. It's never too late, and it's never too soon.
Diabetes is not just a disease of high blood sugar. It's a complex condition that affects every aspect of your life. That's why it's much easier to go on this journey with a guide than to try to go it alone.
Remember, as your life changes (for example, starting a new job, becoming pregnant, or getting older), your diabetes management plan may need to change as well. At times like these, the advice of a CDCES is invaluable.
- How the carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the foods you eat affect blood sugar.
- How your sugar levels fluctuate depending on the type of exercise you do.
- How your medicine works.
- How to take care of other diseases that can be caused by diabetes.
- How to solve practical problems that arise when managing diabetes.
It's hard to learn all this on your own. That's why you need the help of this expert.
How do I find such a specialist?
This is a very important issue. It may be difficult to find them in Sri Lanka under the name "CDCES". But it is possible to find skilled professionals who do the same job.
The best and easiest way is to talk to your doctor about this . Ask, "Doctor, can you refer me to someone who can help me learn more about diabetes and how to properly manage my diet?"
Often,
- Specialist diabetes nurses or nutritionists who have received such special training work in diabetic clinics in large government hospitals and private hospitals .
- Your doctor will be able to refer you to someone who is suitable.
Managing diabetes can be challenging at times. But remember, there are professionals out there who can help you, listen to you, and guide you. Never hesitate to seek their support. It will be the best decision you can make for your health.
Take-Home Message
- A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) is a specially trained health professional who teaches and encourages you to live successfully with diabetes.
- You can get their help whether you've just been diagnosed with diabetes or have had it for a while.
- They can provide accurate information about everything from diet, exercise, medication, insulin, blood sugar testing, and new technology.
- If you need help from a specialist like this, talk to your doctor about it and get a referral. You don't have to go through this journey alone.
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