It was another great year at the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists annual conference, this time in vibrant New Orleans. Packed full of engaging educational sessions, networking events, and a lively exhibitor hall, all set against the backdrop of a city with endless activities, this weekend was nothing short of the professional highlight of my year (so far). It was also my first time presenting at a national conference!

Standing in front of my peers, sharing insights in diabetes care, was an exhilarating experience. The positive feedback that followed not only validated my hard work but also fueled my passion for this vital field. Being able to connect with so many like-minded professionals, exchanging ideas and experiences, was truly inspiring.

Your Passion. Your People.

This year’s conference certainly lived up to its theme, “Your Passion, Your People,” which perfectly encapsulates the dedication and commitment of diabetes care and education specialists to both their profession and the communities they serve.

It was evident that the theme influenced various aspects of the conference, including:

Educational Sessions: Workshops and lectures that focused on innovative approaches to diabetes care, like Chop It Like It’s Hot – Implementing Culinary Medicine in a Clinical Setting and Community Health Workers: The Unsung Heroes in Diabetes Prevention and Management.
Networking Opportunities: Events designed to connect professionals, allowing them to share experiences, challenges, and success stories, like ADCES Connect Live and the Coordinating Body/Communities of Interest Networking Reception.
Inspirational Talks: Presentations by leading figures in the field who shared their journeys, illustrating how their passion has impacted their work and the people they serve, like Jodi Wellman’s keynote How Many Mondays Do You Have Left? Make Them Count!

“Your Passion, Your People” serves as a reminder of the integral relationship between our internal motivation and the external impact we have on the community. It encourages a holistic approach to diabetes care, where personal dedication and community engagement go hand in hand.

Spotlight on Diabetes Technology

Diabetes technology took center stage at this year’s conference. The exhibitor hall was overflowing with the latest and greatest in automated insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and everything in between.

Attendees had the opportunity to get up close and personal with newly released products, participate in hands-on training, and even demo some of the supplies. These interactions allowed them to engage directly with these innovations, gaining valuable insights into how they can enhance patient care.

What was most exciting, however, were the discussions around the integration of AI into the diabetes care and education workflow. Experts shared how AI-driven tools are poised to revolutionize everything from personalized treatment plans to real-time data analysis. The potential for AI to predict trends, optimize insulin delivery, and provide tailored educational resources is generating a lot of buzz in the field.

Expanding the Horizons of Our Practice

ADCES24 featured several sessions designed to help push the boundaries of our scope of practice. The deliberate effort to transition the title from “diabetes educator” to “diabetes care and education specialist” was intended to highlight and recognize the vast knowledge and expertise within the profession. It’s no surprise that DCES professionals are eager to work at the very top of their scopes.

By reinforcing the idea that we are the true experts in diabetes care and education, these sessions inspired attendees to take on more active roles within their professional boundaries.

The session Facilitate Insulin Management by the DCES: Strategies for Success encouraged DCES professionals to understand their scope of practice while also leveraging protocols and standing orders to actively participate in insulin titration.

Another impactful session, Leveraging Our Value on the Collaborative Care Team: Putting the Conversation in Practice, encouraged DCES professionals to advocate for their worth—we are the glue that holds cardiometabolic care together, after all! It’s time to move away from “glucose-centric” care and gain the recognition we deserve.

Looking Ahead to ADCES25

I am excited to attend ADCES25 in Phoenix next summer, where I’m sure the energy and enthusiasm will be just as high. Phoenix promises to be another incredible backdrop for both professional growth and personal exploration, and I’m already counting down the days until we can all come together again to share our passion for diabetes care and education. Until then, laissez les bons temps rouler!