A CDE, or Certified Diabetes Educator, is a health worker trained in prediabetes, diabetes prevention, and management. They work to provide education, information, and resources to anyone affected by diabetes. CDEs are trained to help patients and their families with any questions, or daily concerns they may have. Some CDEs work in hospitals, while others work for non-profit organizations and community health centers.

What do CDEs Do?

If you have diabetes, a CDE may be helpful to you in one or more of the following ways:

• Develop dietary guidelines, meal plans, and suggest recipes
• Train patients and caregivers how to use diabetes devices like insulin pumps, and glucose monitors
• Help coordinate care with primary doctor and specialists
• Answer questions related to prediabetes, diabetes, and complications
• Provide emotional support
• Work with patients on risk reduction for complications
• Test for neuropathy
• Conduct foot, toe, and toenail exams
• Discuss and implement activity and exercise programs
• Test Blood Sugar
• Help with medication management
• Teach the best methods of self-care
• Explain test results

Questions to Ask Your CDE

When you have an appointment with a CDE, it's important to make the most of your time together. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What things can I do to take care of my feet at home?
• What are the things I am at risk for?
• How can I better manage my blood sugar levels?

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Certified Diabetes Educators are great resources if you have any questions or concerns between doctors visits. A CDE can become a part of your overall diabetes care team, and help you problem-solve and celebrate accomplishments.

Contact your doctor, health insurance plan, local diabetes center, or search here to find a CDE near you.

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