Empowering the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist as a Diabetes Technology “Matchmaker” at ADCES21
May 24, 2021, 18:07 PM
By Stephen W. Ponder MD, FAAP, CDCES 2018 Diabetes Educator of the Year
For over a century, diabetes care and education has been entwined with technology in one form or another. Starting with the first commercially produced vial of insulin, technology and diabetes began a relationship that has grown exponentially ever since. As diabetes care and education specialists, we pride ourselves in our ability to facilitate the acceptance, understanding and ultimately the effective use of pharmacologic, device and software-based technologies by the individuals and families we serve. We do not create the technology. Rather, we act to improve its utility and value.
The average adult is estimated to spend 5,000 hours a year engaged with technology (televisions, computers, phones, etc.). Less than half of this time is perceived by users as “productive.” This provides an opening for the diabetes care and education specialist to help clients better focus and benefit from existing or new technologies. We aim to create a world where diabetes technology enhances far more than it detracts from our client’s quality of life with diabetes. Often, our clients may not be using the technology they have to its full effectiveness or have been equipped with technology that does not best suit their needs.
The ADCES21 technology track includes a slate of expert presenters that embody the above attitudes. The aim is to maintain and enhance diabetes technology, competencies and proficiencies. As a person with diabetes for 56 years and someone who benefits daily from diabetes technology, I appreciate the advantages these tools provide to the prepared and supported individual with diabetes. This also defines a core aspect of my role as a certified diabetes care and education specialist physician, too.
The diabetes care and education specialist is a matchmaker of sorts. Finding the right technological tools to complement our clients' unique needs is tantamount to the successful application and long-term use of these items. Through our efforts, we aim to create a smooth synchrony between our clients and their diabetes technologies like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers on the dancefloor.
The technology track offers sessions covering diabetes technology from “head to toe.” Here are just a few examples:
- Using Technology to Address Modifiable Risk Factors in Cardiometabolic Syndrome.
- Insulin Pump and CGM Basics for the Beginner.
- Taming Diabetes Software: Leveraging a Cloud-Based Platform.
- Facebook Collaborative to Improve Diabetes Management.
- The Identify, Configure, Collaborate Framework to Address Technology Disparities.
- Technology Interventions in High-Risk Populations: The Identify, Configure, and Collaborate (ICC) Framework in Action!
- Management of the Diabetes Foot: The Role of Telemedicine and Technology.
Explore the full ADCES21 conference schedule here. If you want to do your own individual “tech tour” at ACDES21, make sure to schedule time to visit the huge exhibit hall where you can experience the latest tools we need as diabetes care and education specialists.
Register for ADCES21 today.
ADCES Perspectives on Diabetes Care
The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists Perspectives on Diabetes Care covers diabetes, prediabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions. Not all views expressed reflect the official position of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists.
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HEALTHCARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your diabetes care and education specialist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. To find a diabetes care and education specialist near you, visit DiabetesEducator.org/Find.