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To find a Certified Diabetes Educator near you, please use our convenient link to the American Association of Diabetes Educators web site to use for their find a CDE tool. >> Click here
 
Education is one of the most important tools of diabetes care. Learning how to take care of yourself and live well with diabetes can require a significant amount of decision making and personal education. We feature some of the most commonly used and innovative CDE Tips for your convenience.
Certified Diabetes Education Tip #1
How often should my blood glucose be checked?
Certified Diabetes Educator,
Kris Erdman
Often blood glucose should be checked:
Before breakfast, lunch and dinner (or a large snack)
Before you go to bed
1 to 2 hours after eating a meal
3 AM
Extra checks may include:
If you are having signs and symptoms of low or high blood glucose
When you have changed routines, such as your medication, exercise or nutrition
If your levels have been out of your normal range
If you are sick
Before you drive
As always, please talk to your healthcare professional regarding your care plan.
 
Certified Diabetes Education Tip #2
Do you know your eAG?

“eAG” is a new term used to describe your estimated average glucose level. This term is a measurement that relates more closely to the lab results of your A1c level. You may even start to see the eAG reported on your lab paperwork. The A1c is a measurement of your glucose over the previous 2-3 months and should be checked at least 2 times a year. This new eAG number will help you to better understand what the A1c means in terms that you are used to, similar to your blood glucose monitor readings.

For example, if your A1c is 9.0% then your eAG (estimate average glucose) would be 212 mg/dL.
The American Diabetes Association recommended A1c goal for people with diabetes:
7.0% or an eAG of 154 mg/dL.

To check what your eAG level is based on your A1c, see the Healthy Living Tools section of this Web site. Here you will find more information about eAG, plus a reference pyramid and frequently asked questions.

References:
Diabetes Care, volume 31, supplement 1, January 2008.
Diabetes Care, volume 31, number 8, August 2008.
 
Kris Erdman, RN, BSN, CDE, CPT
As a Registered Nurse, Kris has been educating people with diabetes for the past 24 years. She has been a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) for the past 16 years. In 2005, she was awarded Diabetes Educator of the Year from the Florida West Coast Association of Diabetes Educators. She is an accomplished speaker and author with media experience. Dedicated to the promotion of health and wellness, she spends her free time volunteering for the ADA & running marathons to raise funds for diabetes.
 
Along with the guidance of your physician, you may want to work with a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) on your team. Studies have shown decreases in A1c by 0.75% and a 1% decrease for every 23.6 hours of patient contact with a CDE.* When selecting to work with an educator, you should choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and feel you can contact with questions about the practical details of your diabetes care.

Healthcare and Medical related questions are best addressed and answered by your healthcare professional.

*Norris, et.al., Diabetes Care, 2002, 25 (7): 1159-1171
 
 
   
 
 
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