3 Reasons Why You and Your CDCES May Not Jive

A successful relationship between you and your certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) is a mutual one - both sides listen, weigh in, and are honest.

Why your CDCES isn't meeting expectations

Sometimes, situations are bound to occur where you and your CDCES may struggle to address your needs. You may wonder how to handle these issues best. Here we outline three potential reasons why issues may arise and how to approach them.

1. Differing personalities

I think about my team of coworkers and how wonderful each of them is at what they do. Like any team, we've got a variety of personalities and approaches to our delivery. At the heart of it all, I know we each deeply care about the work we do and the people we see every day.

How to switch your CDCES

However, some of us are more in-your-face-tell-it-how-is while others are gentle. Some of us are regimented, and others are more fluid. In short, you're inevitably going to work with someone with whom you don't connect. If you find yourself in this position, you can approach it two ways:

1. Be honest with your CDCES, and they can reschedule you with someone different, or
2. Privately ask the scheduler to fit you in with another CDCES for the next visit.

2. Limited expertise for your situation

Even within the specialty of diabetes, there are subspecialties. I know CDCESs specializing in research, pediatrics, obstetrics, inpatient, etc. You name it. I work inpatient and outpatient, primarily with adults (pregnant and non-pregnant). And, within that, I do medication management and pump and sensor technologies.  Overall, I'd say I'm a pretty well-rounded CDCES.

Ask for a CDCES for your specific needs

However, if you asked me to work with a kiddo with diabetes and their family, I would be hesitant or flat out refuse and thus refer you to another CDCES. It's simply not something I've specialized in. When scheduling your appointment, ask which CDCES in the office has the most experience with your situation/needs. Ultimately, if it doesn't seem like you're gaining traction on your management plan, perhaps it's time to ask for a different perspective.

3. Additional or different services are needed

Certified diabetes care and education specialists spend a lot of time working closely with you to help you troubleshoot, modify, and implement your diabetes care plan. But, we can't do everything. Many of us cannot prescribe medication, although many adjust medications within protocols and make medication recommendations to providers.

Refer to another specialist

If your case is complex, you may need the expertise of an endocrinologist. For intensive nutrition support, you may need the services of a dietitian CDCES (vs. a non-dietitian CDCES). If you're not interested in the barrage of "weight-loss, weight-loss, weight-loss," seeking out a weight-neutral or health-at-every-size (HAES) diabetes professional may be just the ticket.

Ask your primary provider or CDCES, "I need help, what are my resources for that?" to get you pointed in the right direction.