2021 National Practice and Workforce Survey

The Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) has published results from the Current and Emerging Trends in Diabetes Care and Education: 2021 National Practice and Workforce Survey in The Journal for Diabetes Self-Management and Care.

More than 3,700 respondents—including ADCES members and other diabetes care and education specialists (DCESs)—completed the survey. Its framework, which was developed in early 2020, was in part influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on the DCES profession and individuals with diabetes.

Key findings from the survey demonstrate the influence of DCES professionals in care decisions—particularly those related to diabetes technology advances made during the pandemic. 75% of survey respondents identified as the “go-to” resource for diabetes-related technology or devices in their practice setting. The survey also highlights a need for diversification in order for the DCES workforce to be representative of the populations it serves. With only 5% of respondents identifying as male and 70% over the age of 45, the results indicate there is room for further representation in the DCES field. These and other findings will help lay important groundwork for ADCES’ future strategic planning efforts.

The full results of the survey can be viewed here.

About the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists:
ADCES is an interdisciplinary professional membership organization dedicated to improving prediabetes, diabetes and cardiometabolic care through innovative education, management and support. With more than 12,000 professional members including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and others, ADCES has a vast network of practitioners working to optimize care and reduce complications. ADCES supports an integrated care model that lowers the cost of care, improves experiences and helps its members lead so better outcomes follow. Learn more at DiabetesEducator.org, or visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn (Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists), Twitter (@ADCESdiabetes) and Instagram (@ADCESdiabetes).