Full Course Description

The Ultimate One-Day Diabetes Course

As healthcare professionals, we encounter patients with diabetes, pre-diabetes, and metabolic syndrome daily—no matter our specialty. With diabetes management becoming increasingly complex, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve with access to the 2025 ADA guidelines, prescribing algorithms, innovations in technology, and best practice strategies to prevent complications.

If we are not on top of new diabetes evidence and practice-based protocols, the delivery of diabetes care can be suboptimal. This could unknowingly increase the risk for acute and chronic complications such as cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and neuropathy. As more and more people are diagnosed with pre-diabetes and diabetes, there has never been a more important time to optimally intervene.

Diabetes expert Tracey Long PhD, MS, MSN, APRN-BC, CDCES, CCRN, CNE, COI, will advance your diabetes insights and guide you toward enhanced clinical decision making for individualized diabetes care. You’ll learn current evidence-based pharmacological (including 3.5 pharmacology CE hours) and non-pharmacological approaches to glucose control. Gain practical skills to assess and treat both diabetic and pre-diabetic patients. Expand proficiency in emerging diabetes technologies. And strengthen patient education strategies to promote adherence and lifestyle modification.

Through case-based discussions and highly requested topics, develop the skills to personalize care and optimize patient outcomes. Leave with up-to-date techniques and new confidence in your ability to prevent and manage diabetes more effectively. Your expertise starts here!

Program Information

Outline

Diabetes Incidence, Risk Factors & Diagnostic Criteria

Incidence & prevalence: Current statistics
Risk factors and causes: Identifying modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors (age, ethnicity, family history, obesity, lifestyle)
Clinical manifestations: by body systems
Diagnostic criteria: ADA 2025 guidelines for diagnosing diabetes and pre-diabetes using A1c, fasting glucose, and OGTT

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion
Pre-diabetes & metabolic syndrome: Early pathophysiological changes
Gestational diabetes: Mechanisms and pregnancy-related risks

ADA Guidelines & Goals for Management

ADA Standards of Care 2025: Review of the most recent guidelines
Goals of care: Blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI, and lipid targets, smoking cessation
Individualized care plans: Tailored treatment goals based on patient comorbidities, age, and risk factors

Treatment Strategies 7 “MnMs”

Movement
Mass Reduction
Meal Planning
Monitoring

Monitoring with Technology

Traditional blood glucose methods: Fingerstick blood glucose and A1c
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): Devices, benefits, and interpreting data
New technologies: Advancements in non-invasive glucose monitoring
Monitoring: Labs, weight

Pharmacological Management of Diabetes

Oral medications: Metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, etc
Injectable therapies: Insulin, GLP-1 receptor agonists
Latest medications: Review of new drugs in the 2025 guidelines
Combination therapies: Strategies for optimizing glucose control

Acute & Chronic Complications

Acute complications: Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
Chronic complications: Neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and diabetic foot ulcers

Considerations to Enhance Patient Outcomes

Addressing mental health concerns from diabetes diagnosis
Diabetes teaching tips for patients
Technological advances on the horizon

Take away resources

Objectives

Utilize the ADA 2025 diagnostic criteria for diabetes and pre-diabetes using appropriate lab values and tests.
Determine the physiological changes in diabetes as they relate to clinical symptoms and disease progression.
Develop individualized care plans based on patient characteristics, including specific blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid targets.
Formulate effective lifestyle intervention plans, including dietary changes, physical activity, and weight management.
Choose patient education tools that enhance adherence and empower self-management.
Evaluate continuous glucose monitoring data for patient care.
Evaluate the benefits and limitations of emerging blood glucose monitoring technologies.
Analyze ADA & AACE 2025 algorithms for oral and injectable medications.
Choose combination therapy strategies that optimize glucose control in patients.
Determine best practices to prevent and manage long-term diabetes complications.

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Dietitians
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists

Copyright : 04/10/2025

Diabetes Medication Therapy

Nicole Pezzino, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, delivers a comprehensive update to manage diabetes through the lens of medication therapy. She will delve into an in-depth analysis of mediation-treatment options from the guidelines, highlighting the evolving landscape of treatment modalities. The comprehensive breakdown of commonly prescribed diabetes medications provides a detailed understanding of their indications, efficacy including A1c reduction, as well as newly identified benefits related to ASCVD, HF, and CKD. You will gain valuable insights into the latest safety considerations, including potential side effects, warnings, precautions, contraindications, and advanced monitoring protocols. Each medication will highlight important counseling points and patient tips to improve medication adherence, thereby enhancing patient outcomes. With the provision of clinical pearls, the presentation aims to equip healthcare professionals with the latest updates on diabetes medications, enabling you to make informed decisions and optimize treatment strategies in line with the most recent medical advancements.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the medication treatment options from the 2024 ADA Standards of Care for Diabetes.
Compare the treatment algorithm from the ADA and AACE/ACE guidelines for diabetes and individualize medications based on patient’s other comorbidities.
Examine the efficacy, safety and recommended counseling points for the drugs reviewed.
Summarize appropriate clinical pearls and lifestyle modifications for patients with diabetes.

Outline

Diabetes Medication Guideline Updates

Including 8 organ dysfunctions

Breakdown of Most Commonly Prescribed Diabetes Medications

Medication name ((Brand (Generic))
Indication – Including dosing and mechanism of action
Efficacy – A1c reduction, ASCVD/HF/CKD benefits
Safety – Side effects, warnings/precautions, contraindications, monitoring
Adherence – counseling points and patient tips
Clinical pearls/takeaways

Key Takeaways

Lifestyle modification
Call to action
Replication

Target Audience

Nurse Practitioners
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurses

Copyright : 03/21/2024

Breaking Free from Diet Culture: A New Path for Diabetes Care

Food is medicine when our relationship with food is healing, not harmful. This is especially true for our clients with prediabetes and diabetes. Mindful Eating is a weight-inclusive approach to food and eating that compassionately returns us to the present moment. Mindfulness-based approaches are an effective way to counter the internalized stigma that has been absorbed from our weight-focused culture, which unintentionally blames people with diabetes. As a provider, you need effective tools to help clients heal their relationship with food, eating, and body image so food can become medicine. In this session, you will learn how to talk about mindful eating using motivational interviewing techniques. Using MI to explain key mindful eating concepts fosters insight and enables clients with elevated blood sugar to reach for sustainable self-care. This weight-inclusive approach transforms our relationship with food because we feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of weight.

Program Information

Objectives

Critically analyze and identify three specific ways diet culture influences diabetes management practices, contributing to an imbalanced focus on dietary restrictions over holistic care.
Demonstrate the ability to apply mindful eating principles in clinical scenarios with clients who have diabetes, utilizing at least two strategies that encourage choice, balance, insight into barriers, and change opportunities for clients.
Construct and implement care plan for clients with diabetes, integrating the four factors of diabetes care (Dietary, Lifestyle, Medicine, and Environment).

Outline

Mindful Eating and Diabetes Management

Key concepts of Mindful Eating and their relevance to diabetes care
Differentiate mindful eating from dieting to emphasize direct body awareness and cues

Addressing Weight Bias in Diabetes Care

Impact of weight bias, stigma on patient care and outcomes
Strategies to promote a non-judgmental, inclusive care setting

Four Factors of Diabetes

A deep dive into the critical elements of diabetes care, with tools to educate and empower clients.
Go beyond ‘just’ blood sugar
Holistic exploration of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and emotional well-being
Effective methods to communicate these factors to clients, fostering understanding and engagement

Motivational Interviewing for Inclusive Care & Sustainable Long-Term Behavior Change

Overview of the technique and its application in healthcare
The Spirit of MI: Techniques to build rapport, fostering an environment of trust and openness
Using motivational interviewing to support non-judgmental, patient-centered diabetes care
Use MI to present mindful eating to clients in ways that foster sustainable lifestyle changes

Target Audience

Athletic Trainers
Chiropractors
Dietitians
Exercise Physiologists
Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Strength and Conditioning Coaches
Other Rehabilitation and Fitness Professionals

Copyright : 12/18/2024

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

Tracey Long PhD, MS, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CDCE, CCRN, CNE, COI, will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). As these two chronic conditions often coexist and exacerbate each other, it is crucial that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage them effectively. Explore pathophysiological connections, assess risk factors, and learn the very latest evidence-based strategies for prevention and management. Key aspects of patient education, including the promotion of lifestyle modifications to reduce cardiovascular risks in diabetic patients, will be incorporated.

New research has concluded there is a significant relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, making it essential for clinicians to understand diagnosis, prevention, and pharmacological strategies for optimal patient outcomes.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the pathophysiological relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Explore key risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.

Implement evidence-based interventions to manage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.

Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in reducing cardiovascular disease risk among diabetic patients through case studies and clinical scenarios.

Outline

Pathophysiology of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Mechanisms linking diabetes to cardiovascular complications

Epidemiology and prevalence of coexisting diabetes and CVD

Impact of hyperglycemia on the cardiovascular system

Role of insulin resistance and inflammation

Risk Factors and Assessment

Risk factors for CVD in diabetic patients (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity)

Screening and assessment tools for cardiovascular risk in diabetes

Early identification and management of risk factors

Interventions and Management Strategies

Evidence-based approaches to managing diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk

Pharmacological interventions (e.g., antihyperglycemic agents, antihypertensives, statins)

Lifestyle modifications: Diet, exercise, weight control, smoking cessation

Patient education and self-management support

Case Studies and Clinical Applications

Real-world scenarios demonstrating the diabetes-CVD connection

Interactive discussion on best practices and challenges in care

Target Audience

Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurses

Copyright : 09/05/2024

The Highs and Lows of Diabetes Management in Pregnancy

Unlock the critical skills needed to manage diabetes in pregnancy. Gain expertise in distinguishing pregestational and gestational diabetes, delve into the pharmacokinetic profiles of various insulin products and understand the complexities of insulin resistance during pregnancy. Learn to create and apply tailored insulin regimens, ensuring optimal care for pregnant patients with diabetes.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate diagnostic criteria of pregestational diabetes versus gestational diabetes.
Analyze the differences of insulin products pharmacokinetic profiles.
Discuss insulin resistance in pregnancy.
Apply and create insulin regimens for a pregnant patient.

Outline

Overview of Pre-Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes Burden
Diagnostic Criteria

Impact on Pregnancy

Maternal
Fetal
Medication Changes

Gestational Diabetes

Risk Factors
Early Screening Strategies
Glucose Tolerance Testing
Placenta Induced Insulin Resistance
Comparison of Insulin Needs During Pregnancy

Management of Gestational Diabetes

A1C Goals
Lifestyle Management
Insulin Initiations
Insulin Adjustments

Other Considerations

Post Partum Adjustments

Target Audience

Nurses
NPs
PAs
MDs
DOs
Pharmacists

Copyright : 06/12/2024

Revolution in Diabetes Care

Diabetes management is evolving rapidly, with new medications, updated guidelines, and innovative approaches to optimizing glycemic control while minimizing complications. This one-hour session will explore the latest updates in pharmacologic treatment for diabetes, providing a comprehensive review of the nine major classes of diabetes medications, their mechanisms of action, and key clinical considerations.

Through an engaging lecture and interactive case study, gain practical insights into selecting the most effective treatments based on individual patient needs. Whether managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes, take away the knowledge to implement evidence-based strategies for improved patient outcomes. Stay ahead of the latest advancements and refine your approach to diabetes pharmacology!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the mechanism of action, benefits, and potential side effects of the nine major classes of current diabetes medications.
Analyze pharmacologic treatment guidelines for diabetes stand the implications for patient care.
Apply updated pharmacologic knowledge to practical diabetes medication decisions.

Outline

Diabetes Medication Classes

Biguanides (Metformin) – First-line therapy, insulin sensitivity
Sulfonylureas (Glipizide, Glyburide, Glimepiride) – Insulin secretion
Meglitinides (Repaglinide, Nateglinide) – Rapid-acting insulin secretion
Thiazolidinediones (Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone) – Insulin sensitivity, risks
DPP-4 Inhibitors (Sitagliptin, Linagliptin, Saxagliptin) – Incretin effects
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide) – Weight loss, cardiovascular benefits
SGLT-2 Inhibitors (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Canagliflozin) – Renal and cardiovascular benefits
Insulin Therapy (Rapid, Basal, Mixed) – Individualizing therapy
Amylin analogues (Pramlintide) – Adjunct therapy for type 1 and type 2

Case Study Application to Practice

Patient scenario with comorbidities, A1C levels, and treatment barriers
Select appropriate pharmacologic interventions
Adjust therapy based on patient response and side effects

Target Audience

NPs
APRNs
PAs
PharmDs
MDs
DOs

Copyright : 05/16/2025

Managing the Diabetic Foot

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 37.3 million adults are diabetic, 8.5 million are yet undiagnosed and 96 million are prediabetic. Up to 20% of these will develop a diabetic foot ulcer, 80% of which will result in amputation. It doesn’t have to be this way! This session will provide the assessment skills, common causes, complications, and treatment strategies both to prevent ulceration and achieve healing in these difficult cases.

Program Information

Objectives

Assess the characteristics of a diabetic foot ulcer.
Appraise the factors that contribute to the development of a diabetic foot ulcer.
Apply evidenced based interventions to promote healing.
Determine when to refer to other disciplines to complement healing.
Develop individualized treatment programs for each patient.

Outline

Comorbidities

Coronary artery disease
Large and small vessel damage
Depression

Causes of Foot Ulcerations

Peripheral & autonomic nervous system neuropathy
Mechanical stress
Foot deformities

Assessment and Diagnostic Tools

Loss of protective sensation
Semmes- Weinstein 5.07 monofilament
128hz tuning fork
Capillary refill
ABI

Managing the Diabetic Foot

L.E.A.P
Callus management
Footwear

Characteristics of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Location
Shape
Exudate
Wound bed appearance

Assessment of Bacterial Burden

Signs of infection
Silent infection
Quantitative tissue biopsy
Wound cultures
Proper wound cleansing

Orthopedic Assessment

X ray
Osteolysis
Charcot foot
Total contact casting
Offloading boots
Custom shoe inserts
Osteomyelitis

Vital Role of Dietitian

Protein & carbohydrates
RDA’s for adults
Amino acids
Nitric oxide

Optimal Wound Healing Requirements

Too wet/too dry
Dressings
Biologics
Silvers
Cytotoxics

Therapy Modalities

High and low frequency ultrasound
Pulsed lavage/jet ox
Hyperbaric oxygen
Topical/transcutaneous oxygen
Electric Stimulation (HVPG)
MIRE
Wound Vac

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Physicians Assistants
Physical Therapists

Copyright : 10/20/2022

Life Threatening Diabetic Emergencies

With the high prevalence of 38 million Americans in the US with diabetes and almost ¼ of the US population with prediabetes, healthcare professionals need to know how to respond to diabetic emergencies. Emergency nurses need to be aware of the pathophysiology and treatment standards, as the acceleration of available diabetic medications can be confusing. There has also been confusion for the term HNS, also known as “HANKS” or HHNKS, or HNC,” which will be clarified.

Program Information

Objectives

Identify the three diabetic emergencies as hypoglycemia, DKA and HNKS.
Discuss the presenting signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, risk factors, and diagnostic tests for the three diabetic emergencies.
Explain the medical treatment and management protocol for each diabetic emergency.

Outline

Overview of pathophysiology and classifications of Diabetes Mellitus.

Hypoglycemia:

Clinical presentation
Causes and risk factors
Diagnostic tests and criteria
Emergency treatment
Pharmacological management
ADA standards
Case study

Diabetic Ketoacidosis:

Clinical presentation
Causes and risk factors
Diagnostic tests and criteria
Emergency treatment
Pharmacological management
ADA standards
Case study

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome:

Clinical presentation
Causes and risk factors
Diagnostic tests and criteria
Emergency treatment
Pharmacological management
ADA standards
Case study

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants

Preventing Amputation in Patients with Diabetes

This class is tailored for clinicians seeking to expand their expertise in diabetic food care, with a focus on preventing amputations. Participants will delve into comprehensive strategies for early detection, foot assessment, prevention strategies, and patient education. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to reduce amputation rates among diabetic patients.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the relationship between preventing foot ulcers and preventing infections, hospitalizations and amputations.
Determine the methods of taking the A1c and the value of the collected data.
Identify the necessary components of a short, focused history and thorough comprehensive diabetic foot assessment without taking shortcuts or skipping steps in the exam.
Identify peripheral artery disease (PAD), loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and pedal deformities of bone, soft tissue and nails.
Analyze four risk categories of the IWGDF for the diabetic foot and the value of each category for population health.
Explain the strategy to prevent “category creep.”

Outline

Diabetes and Foot Ulcers

Why and how do the comorbid conditions develop?
Risk factors for developing a foot ulcer
Tips and approaches for A1c test … finger stick vs. CGM monitor … what does the data mean?

Primary Care Provider

Role in evaluating and managing the diabetic foot
Guiding principles of care for people with or at risk for developing diabetes
Business model of medicine … development and management of comorbid diabetic conditions with a focus on the diabetic foot

Patient Stratification

Prediabetes/Type 1/Type 2
Reversing and preventing prediabetes … risk factors for type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance as a precursor to type 2 diabetes … and how to reverse it

International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) Criteria

IWGDF risk stratification scheme
Why categorize patients into one of the four risk groups?
Preventing “category creep”

DFU and Amputation

Causes of DFU and the relationship between DFU and amputations
Charcot foot
Neuropathy, Loss of protective sensation (LOPS), PAD, traumatic triggering events, and pedal deformities

Diabetic Foot Exam … Value of the IWGDF foot exam and the components of the exam

Prevention of DFU, Amputations and Risk Mitigation

Future of ulcer and amputation prevention

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants

Anti-Obesity Medication Treatments: Clinical Pearls for Prescribers

Anti-Obesity Medication Treatments: Clinical Pearls for Prescribers explores the pathophysiology of obesity, current FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, and their mechanisms of action to equip providers with the knowledge to select and manage patients with obesity confidently. Ahunna Freeman, PharmD, BCGP, will highlight valuable clinical pearls and include interactive patient cases to optimize patient outcomes in the management of obesity.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity.
Determine clinical practice guidelines in the management of obesity in adults.
Analyze FDA-approved pharmacologic options for the management of obesity.
Develop appropriate therapeutic approaches for patient cases.

Outline

Epidemiology/Pathophysiology of Obesity

Obesity as a chronic, multifactorial condition with health consequences
Factors that affect or contribute to obesity
Limitations of lifestyle interventions in the management of obesity

Mechanism of Action for Anti-Obesity Medications (AOMs)

Explain the physiology of weight regulation
- Patient: Caloric deficit, physical activity, stress management/psychologically
- Metabolic adaptation: Hormones & metabolism
Treatment guidelines: Non-pharmacological and pharmacological options
Role of AOMs in weight management

Key Medications in the Management of Obesity

Clinical pearls of each FDA-approved AOM:
- Initiating dose and formulations
- Therapeutic strength
- FDA-approved criteria
- Potential adverse effects
- Monitoring plans
- Use in special populations/individualized treatment based on comorbidities
- Use with other medications/potential interactions
- Approximate Cost

Study trial results for the newest class of AOMs for clinical significance

Highlights from current research on AOMs

Target Audience

Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Pharmacists

Management of Type 2 Diabetes

In this session, Matthew will discuss the two main treatment approaches for managing Type 2 Diabetes in a primary care setting. Starting with an overview of the complications, he will focus on the treatment approaches, and A1C guidelines. He will discuss both necessary lifestyle changes, including diet, and improving exercise/activity level. Additionally, he will cover the oral medicines for initial treatment and when insulin may be needed. Long term goals for treatment will be discussed to decrease the chance for heart failure, neuropathy and other complications.

Program Information

Objectives

Integrate the pathophysiology of T2D into the development of a management plan.
Educate patients on any medications prescribed for control of T2D.
Implement the ADA T2D clinical practice guidelines to improve outcomes for patients.

Outline

Complications
- Macrovascular
- Microvascular
- Neuropathy complications
Treatment
- A1C Goals
- Medications (ADA Guidelines) --cost of medications
- Patient teaching Reduction of ASCVD Risks
Goals
- Reduced HF Risk
- Reduce risk of Neuropathy
- Increased quality of Life

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physicians
Physician Assistants

It’s All About the Food: Improving Diabetes Outcomes

Health care professionals often find themselves having to dispense recommendations about nutrition against a backdrop of rampant misinformation. Learn the latest guidelines about healthy eating with diabetes and which eating patterns are associated with the best outcomes. Common misconceptions about meal planning for diabetes will be exposed and you’ll learn how to expertly address today’s hottest topics like keto and artificial sweeteners.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the key parameters for effective medical nutrition therapy in people with diabetes.
Evaluate the metabolic impact of macronutrients on blood glucose levels.
Analyze the use of various eating patterns on health outcomes in persons with diabetes.
Assess the guidelines for weight management in diabetes.

Outline

Diet Tribes: Which Diet is Best for Diabetes?
- Examining the evidence
Nutrient Know-How: How they impact blood sugar
- Is there an ideal macronutrient ratio?
Hot topics: EXPOSED!
- Misconceptions about meal planning
- The use of artificial sweeteners
- Role of carbohydrate in the overall diet
Locking in Behavior Change
- Meal planning tips
- Medical nutrition therapy guidelines
- Common resources

Target Audience

Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physicians