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There's a lot of lingo thrown at you when you have diabetes. Here we've collected the must-know terms and translated them into plain language.

Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

(SUR-tih-fyd) (die-uh-BEE-teez) (EH-juh-KAY-tur)

What it means: A certified diabetes educator is a health care professional with extensive knowledge and experience in diabetes and prediabetes care. To earn this certification, educators must meet rigorous eligibility requirements and pass a certification exam administered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. 

What it means to you: CDEs provide diabetes self-management education (DSME) to people with prediabetes and diabetes. They’ll work with you in either a one-on-one session or a group setting. If you’re newly diagnosed, a CDE can teach you the skills to manage your blood sugar levels and take care of your diabetes, keeping your lifestyle in mind. Some CDEs are also registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and can help you learn carbohydrate counting and how to meal-plan. 

If you’ve had diabetes for some time, a visit with a CDE can introduce you to new treatments. A CDE can also be helpful if you're planning for or experiencing a major life change, such as a pregnancy, a new career, or anything else that might affect your health or your daily routine. To find a CDE in your area, ask your diabetes doctor for a referral or contact the American Association of Diabetes Educators or American Diabetes Association.

Published February 23, 2015.

— Compiled by Paula Ford-Martin, MA. Paula is the author of The Everything Guide to Managing Type 2 Diabetes.