What is a Diabetes Educator?

Diabetes educators are health care professionals, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, physicians, and social workers, who specialize in the treatment of people with diabetes. They help patients learn to live a healthier, more productive life with diabetes. Diabetes educators work in a variety of settings. You will find many of them in hospitals teaching patients in group classes or they may work with patients individually. They also may be found in doctor's offices, nursing homes or neighborhood clinics. A diabetes educator can be there for you when your diabetes is first diagnosed to help you learn the new skills you will need. They also promote independence by teaching you self-management skills throughout your lifetime with diabetes. A diabetes educator promotes independence for you, helping you learn to monitor your diabetes, problem-solve to achieve good blood sugar control and to recognize when you need to call your doctor to report changing conditions.

To become a CDE, there are several requirements for eligibility to sit for the exam including education & experience. Then you must pass the multidisciplinary examination that is offered twice a year.

For more information you can contact National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators: