ADCES23: A Mecca for Diabetes Care & Education
The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) serves as the professional practice organization representing nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, advanced practice providers, and community health advocates working in diabetes care and education.
The annual ADCES23 conference brings together leaders in the field to disseminate updates in clinical care and technologies. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to network. I’ve included some of the highlights from this years conference. I am already looking forward to ADCES24 in New Orleans!
Professional Sessions
The professional sessions are an opportunity to hear from experts in the field on original research and best practices in diabetes care and education. Here are a few of my favorites this year.
Perform at the Top of Your Scope Using Standing Orders and Policies
Certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCESs) are incredibly knowledgeable and more than capable of carrying out many aspects of diabetes management. Standing orders and protocols allow CDCESs to work to the top of their scope, saving time and money for both patient and care team.
A group of program coordinators from Minnesota presented on some fantastic recommendations to advance our practice.
- Define Professional Tiers and Corresponding Competencies. Empower diabetes care and education specialists to engage in professional development. Hold them accountable to a set of competencies. Incentive skill development with the raise and praise approach. Consider developing three tiers of professional competence: Level #1 (RD or RN), Level #2 (RD or RN + CDCES), and Level #3 (RD or RN + CDCES + Insulin Pump Certifications).
- Develop Standing Orders using Existing Standards of Care. The 2023 ADA Standards of Care offer clear recommendations on initiation and advancement of therapies. There is no need to delay treatment for patients when standing orders can allow for immediate action. Do today’s work, today!
- Use Professional Tiers to Define Scope of Practice. A Level #3 professional will likely practice with greater autonomy based on demonstrated competencies. A Level #1 may need a co-signature on insulin titration, while a Level #3 may only need to route a continuity of care note. *** There’s lots of opportunity to elevate the BC-ADM credential here!
- Collaborate with Clinical Care Providers. Developing a positive working relationship with physicians and advanced practice providers. Standing orders are based on a foundation of trust. Standing orders should not be at odds with physician-driven care plans.
Having worked in a facility with great standing orders, I know firsthand how empowering it feels to work at the top of my scope of practice!
Decrease the Risk of Eating Disorders & Body Image Distress in PWD
The prevalence of disordered eating and body image issues in people with diabetes cannot be overstated. The high level of vigilance regarding carbohydrate counting, glucose monitoring, and pressure to lose weight can lend itself to unhealthy behaviors. In fact, PWD are four times as likely to have an eating disorder than those without diabetes.
Registered Dietitians Erin and Kelly emphasized the challenges to taking care of something you don’t like. Diabetes self-management behaviors decline as our relationship with our body worsens. Improving our body image is less about *loving* our body and more about accepting the way it exists in the world and making a commitment to treat it with respect through proper nourishment, regular movement, and adequate rest. Neutral, non-judgmental language is key.
As someone who has very little training in disordered eating and cognitive behavioral therapy, I left this presentation feeling better equipped to support people with diabetes also experiencing body image distress.
Incorporate Comedy into Your Practice and Your Presentations
It’s tough to please a crowd at 4:40 PM on a Friday afternoon, but Marlisa Brown, MS RDN CDE of Total Wellness had the audience rolling in laughter from beginning to end. Registered dietitian, diabetes care and education specialist, AND stand-up comedian—Marlisa provided trips, tricks, dos & don’t, and plenty of examples on how to incorporate storytelling and humor into our practice. It’s all about finding the pain point and coming up with a good punchline.
Exhibitor Hall
The exhibitor’s hall featured the latest and greatest in diabetes devices and supplies. Dexcom, Abbott Libre, Tandem, Medtronic, Omnipod, Beta Bionic, Lilly, Novo Nordisk—and many more, were present to provide product demonstrations. I was excited to finally get my hands on the Tandem Mobi insulin pump as well as Beta Bionics iLet Bionic Pancreas.
Networking
The biggest attraction for me in attending ADCES23 is networking. As I become more involved in organizational leadership, I appreciate the chance to put a face to the names I have seen in my email inbox or on community message boards. Luckily, this year there was no shortage of opportunities to network.
Coordinating Body (CB) Networking Reception
Thursday night featured a Coordinating Body/Community of Interest networking event. There was no shortage of creative costumes, decor, and food to celebrate each state’s unique heritage. Our Colorado table featured a DIY trail mix station to fuel attendees for the long weekend of learning ahead.
Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group (DDPG)
The diabetes dietetic practice group is a subset of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic with a focus on advancing the practice of registered dietitians in diabetes care and education. While we share the same credentialing and training, our professional interests and working environments are highly varied—making for great conversation!
I volunteered a few hours at the DDPG booth in the exhibitor hall, mostly as an opportunity to network with other members. They also held a wonderful reception on Saturday evening.
ADCES Media Spokesperson Training
ADCES media spokespeople are a select group of diabetes care and education specialists available to assist media as sources for stories on diabetes and related cardiometabolic conditions. In preparation for this new role, I was invited to participate in media training a day prior to the conference. Again, another wonderful opportunity to network with leaders in the field.
Until Next Year
If you’re contemplating attending ADCES in 2024, don’t hesitate to register. From the fantastic educational sessions, to the exhibitors hall, to the many opportunities to network—there is something here for everyone. I am looking forward to ADCES24, August 9-12 2024, in New Orleans!
