The Certified Diabetes Support & Education Specialist (CDSES)™ certification program is a prestigious and globally recognized qualification designed for healthcare and allied health professionals who provide education, counseling, and support to individuals living with diabetes. As diabetes prevalence continues to rise globally, the demand for qualified specialists who can empower patients through education, behavior change, and long-term management is more critical than ever. This program equips participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and communication techniques needed to deliver effective, evidence-based diabetes care and support.

Diabetes support extends beyond clinical treatment—it encompasses personalized patient education, lifestyle coaching, psychosocial support, and community engagement. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of diabetes pathophysiology, nutrition, medication management, technology-enabled care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum focuses on improving patient outcomes through education, self-management, and preventive care while fostering empathy and cultural competence in professional practice.

Whether in hospitals, clinics, community health programs, or private practice, graduates of the CDSES™ program will be equipped to deliver high-quality diabetes education and support that enhances patient engagement, adherence, and quality of life.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Diabetes Support & Education Specialist (CDSES)™ program, participants will be able to:

• Understand Diabetes Pathophysiology and Classification – Gain a comprehensive understanding of Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, including causes, risk factors, and complications.
• Deliver Effective Patient Education – Develop and implement patient-centered diabetes education plans tailored to individual needs and literacy levels.
• Promote Self-Management and Lifestyle Change – Empower patients to make informed choices regarding nutrition, exercise, and glucose monitoring.
• Support Medication and Insulin Therapy Management – Understand pharmacological treatments, insulin administration, and technology such as CGMs and insulin pumps.
• Provide Psychosocial and Behavioral Support – Address emotional, psychological, and social aspects affecting diabetes self-care and motivation.
• Collaborate in Multidisciplinary Care – Work effectively within healthcare teams to integrate education, prevention, and management strategies.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CDSES™, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIIHM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Fundamentals of Diabetes and Global Epidemiology
• Module 2: Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Exercise in Diabetes Management
• Module 3: Pharmacologic Therapies, Insulin, and Technology in Diabetes Care
• Module 4: Patient Education, Health Literacy, and Communication Strategies
• Module 5: Behavioral Support, Psychosocial Care, and Cultural Competence
• Module 6: Prevention, Complications Management, and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

* The Certification Title and its modules are regularly reviewed, updated and may change in alignment with evolving industry needs and regulatory standards.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Diabetes Support & Education Specialist (CDSES)™ certification is ideal for professionals dedicated to improving diabetes care, prevention, and patient empowerment. It is particularly valuable for:

• Nurses and Diabetes Educators: Healthcare professionals providing patient counseling and education in clinical or community settings.
• Dietitians and Nutritionists: Specialists designing personalized meal plans and lifestyle interventions for individuals with diabetes.
• Pharmacists: Professionals supporting medication management, adherence counseling, and glucose control.
• Physicians and Physician Assistants: Practitioners integrating patient education and multidisciplinary coordination in diabetes management.
• Psychologists and Counselors: Experts supporting patients through behavior modification, motivation, and psychosocial care.
• Community Health Workers and Health Coaches: Practitioners promoting diabetes awareness, prevention, and management in community settings.

Key Benefits of CDSES™ Certification:

• Professional Recognition: Validates expertise in diabetes support, education, and patient engagement.
• Career Advancement: Opens opportunities for roles in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and diabetes care programs globally.
• Patient-Centered Skills: Equips professionals to improve outcomes through empathy, communication, and personalized education.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Ensures alignment with the latest ADA, IDF, and WHO diabetes care guidelines.
• Interdisciplinary Competence: Builds the ability to collaborate across nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, and medical disciplines.
• Community Impact: Empowers professionals to lead public health initiatives that improve awareness and prevention.
• Global Professional Network: Connects certified individuals with an international community of diabetes educators and healthcare leaders.

The CDSES™ certification empowers healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate, evidence-based diabetes support and education that transforms lives. By bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and patient empowerment, certified specialists play a vital role in improving global health outcomes and promoting lifelong wellness.