Living in a small town means you have to go above and beyond your comfort to meet the people's needs. I began to notice that prediabetes and type 2 diabetes were rampant, and at the time, both CDCES dietitians in my community were retiring. To meet the needs of my current and future patients and clients, I decided it was necessary to possess comprehensive knowledge and experience in diabetes prevention, prediabetes, and diabetes management.
What or Who Motivated You to Become a CDCES?
My patients complained that they received messages to be on a "special diet." One client even said their special diet tasted like "old wicker furniture." This statement encouraged me to tackle numerous food and nutrition-related myths and find tasty, culturally appropriate solutions that can help keep glucose levels within the target range.
On Opportunities Provided as a Result of Holding the CDCES Credential
Being a CDCES has set me apart from other health professionals. Because of my credentials and desire to dispel mainstream food and nutrition-related myths, I have been invited to be a medical contributor to major media outlets such as WebMD, HuffPost, and Healthline, to name a few. Having the credentials and expertise has allowed me to work with diverse food, technology, and educational organizations to ensure accurate nutrition-related information.
What Would You Say to Someone Who is Considering Becoming a CDCES?
As health professionals, we all have a role in reducing morbidity and mortality. We need specially trained health professionals in our communities to help prevent or manage prediabetes and diabetes. I recommend that anyone considering becoming a CDCES not hesitate to take the leap of faith, study, and challenge the exam to serve the members of their communities living with this medical condition.
Share an Achievement or Special Moment You’ve had as a CDCES
One joyful moment I experienced was when I counseled a client who was a self-proclaimed gastronome. She thought she could no longer enjoy her favorite foods because her A1C was 9%. For many months, her primary care provider unsuccessfully tried encouraging her to take her medications as prescribed, but she was afraid of medication-related side effects. After working with her for a year, not only did her A1C drop from a nine to 7.3%, 6.8%, and now 6.4% (as of recently), but I could also quell her worries and encourage her to take her medications as prescribed. Since her most recent A1C is now 6.4%, her doctor even took her off one of her medications, which she is pleased about.
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