Diabetes Education Services
What is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE)?
A ‘CDE’ is a registered health care professional (HCP) who has undertaken specialised training in diabetes care and education. A CDE may have a background in nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, medicine, podiatry, optometry, dietetics, physiotherapy, exercise physiology or a registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner. CDE’s help individuals and their families to understand and self-manage their diabetes effectively, covering areas such as glucose monitoring, technology integration, healthy food choices, active lifestyle, medication management, and strategies for preventing complications.
When should you refer to a CDE for person-centered diabetes education health service?
- New diagnosis of diabetes - this service includes NDSS registration where applicable
- Development of diabetes related complications2
- Commencing or changing of Insulin or other injectables
- Blood glucose monitoring and self management education
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
- Changes to prescribed oral glucose lowering medication
- Suboptimal glycaemic control
- Diabetes education required in the context of family planning, pregnancy, and the postnatal period
How a CDE enhances diabetes care
Empowering Patient Self-Management
CDEs focus on building a patient's confidence and skills for daily diabetes management. They provide practical, one-on-one education on a range of essential topics.1
Patient-Centred Approach
A CDE tailors their approach to each patient's unique needs. They work to translate complex medical information into simple, actionable strategies that fit into a patient's daily life.1
Proactive Management and Prevention
By focusing on early intervention and education, CDEs help patients understand and mitigate the risk of long-term diabetes complications.1
