Diabetes Care in the Digital Age: Key Takeaways from “The CDCES Evolution” Webinar

The Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) role is rapidly evolving — shaped by new technologies, shifting care models, and rising patient needs.

In our recent webinar, “Diabetes Care in the Digital Age: The CDCES Evolution,” we were joined by two powerhouse leaders in diabetes care: Lucille Hughes, former ADCES President and founder of Diabetes Insights, and Christina Pamelar, NP, CDCES and Director of Clinical Operations at SweetSpot. Moderated by Jodi Hughes, SweetSpot’s Director of Diabetes Education, this conversation spotlighted the growing scope and strategic importance of the CDCES. 

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Here are the key takeaways from the event:

1. The CDCES Role Has Transformed — and It’s Still Evolving 

Lucille walked us through the history of the profession — from the formation of ADCES in the 1970s to today’s multidisciplinary, tech-forward CDCES landscape. Once seen as an adjunct to the care team, CDCESs are now central to patient outcomes, clinical workflows, and chronic care innovation. Her message: “Know your value — and advocate for it.” 

2. Demand Is Rising — and CDCESs Are Filling the Gap 

Christina highlighted the staggering mismatch between diabetes prevalence and available specialty care: more than 38 million Americans live with diabetes, but there are only ~6,000 practicing endocrinologists in the U.S. And as more patients turn to primary care providers, CDCESs are stepping in as essential care extenders — especially in underserved areas. 

3. Advanced Skills Are a Must for Today’s CDCES 

To stay relevant and effective, CDCESs must deepen their expertise in three key areas: 

• Technology Proficiency – Not just knowing CGMs and pumps, but supporting setup, troubleshooting, and ongoing data interpretation 

• In-Depth Clinical Knowledge – Keeping pace with emerging therapies, treatment guidelines, and patient education 

• Reimbursement Literacy – Understanding and advocating for proper billing and documentation of services, especially for remote care 

4. Fluency in Diabetes Tech = Fluency in Patient-Centered Care 

Whether it’s AID systems, CGMs, smart pens, or wearable health devices, technology is now foundational to diabetes care. Christina emphasized that true tech fluency means knowing how devices differ, how they impact lifestyle, and how to interpret the data to drive behavior change and better outcomes. 

Tools like the CARES Framework by the Panther Program, DiabetesWise and even standardized AGP reports empower CDCESs to bridge clinical knowledge with real-world support. 

5. Interpersonal Skills Are as Critical as Technical Ones 

Lucille reminded us that tech-savvy doesn’t mean patient-ready. The heart of CDCES work remains education, advocacy, and connection. 

• Be adaptable to changing technology 

• Stay committed to ongoing support and engagement 

• Advocate for access, equity, and patient empowerment 

It’s not just about the tools — it’s about how you communicate them, how you build trust, and how you meet people where they are. 

6. Reimbursement is Strategy — Not Just Admin 

Too often, CDCESs deliver reimbursable services without capturing their value. Christina shared practical advice on: 

• Tracking time-based codes like 99457 and 99458 

• Understanding monthly billing cycles (especially 95251) 

• Building clinic workflows that support clean, compliant documentation 

The message: You’re already doing the work. It’s time to get recognized — and reimbursed — for it. 

7. There’s Never Been More Room for Growth 

All three speakers reflected on how the skills they built as CDCESs opened doors to leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation — from leading national organizations to building new models of care. 

For those considering their next step: lean into what you already do well, and don’t be afraid to pivot. This is a profession full of possibility. 

Your Top Webinar Questions — Answered

We closed the session with a great Q&A from the audience. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and what our speakers shared:

-Do RPM billing codes require working under a physician? What about accreditation?

Christina: It depends on the code. For example, 95251 requires a qualified healthcare professional to order and bill for the service. So yes, for certain codes, you’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed provider.

Regarding accreditation: most remote monitoring codes do not require DSMT accreditation. These codes (e.g. 99453, 99457) are separate from traditional DSMT codes and can be used without ADA or ADCES program certification — as long as the proper provider oversight is in place.

Still unsure what applies to your team? Feel free to reach out to us for support.

-There is no DSMT program in our system — what can inpatient educators do?

Lucille: You have options! Consider:

• Referring to a virtual DSMT program, such as Diabetes Insights, even before the patient leaves the hospital.

• Using directories from the ADA or ADCES to locate local programs nearby for virtual or in-person visits.

These steps support continuity of care — and can meet Joint Commission quality measures for transitional planning.

-How can I get involved with SweetSpot now?

Jodi: If you’re passionate about expanding remote diabetes care, consider joining our Clinical Ambassador Program. It’s designed for CDCESs who want to:

• Introduce SweetSpot to clinics in their network

• Help advance the future of digital diabetes care

Interested? Email info@sweetspot.health to learn more.

Thank You to Our Community We’re grateful to everyone who joined us live — and to the many more who reached out afterward. You can now watch the webinar on-demand.

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Whether you’re exploring RPM, refining your billing strategy, or just want to brainstorm ways to evolve your practice — we’d love to hear from you. Visit our website or reach out to our team at info@sweetspot.health. 

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SweetSpot partners with endocrinology practices to provide virtual CGM monitoring and enhanced patient care.

SweetSpot combines a centralized software platform for managing diabetes device data, such as data from CGMs and insulin pumps, with wrap-around clinical support services. SweetSpot’s virtual team of Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) performs monthly CGM data reviews and coordinates with providers and patients to facilitate treatment plan changes. By actively managing and remotely reviewing CGM data between patient visits, we ensure patients receive timely treatment adjustments to improve glycemic control and patient outcomes.

Additionally, SweetSpot’s automated capture of reimbursable care events optimizes CPT code utilization, unlocking new revenue streams for practices and making our partnerships both clinically effective and financially profitable.