Membership

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To become a DES member, complete the DES Membership Application Form and fax it to:

Co-ordinator, Professional Membership Projects
Canadian Diabetes Association
416-363-7465

Members of DES belong to a chapter -- Chapters provide a forum for networking, continuing education and project planning amongst local diabetes educators.
Membership in a local CDA Branch -- Branches offer an opportunity for involvement at a grassroots level.

Annual CDA/CSEM Professional Conference and Annual General Meetings -- Hosted on a rotational basis in various geographic areas during the fall of each year, the conference provides a forum for cooperation between different disciplines.
Scholarships -- Successful applicants receive financial support for education in the field of diabetes.
Recognition Awards -- Various awards serve to recognize outstanding contributions to the practice of diabetes education.
For information about the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification examination visit the CDECB web site at cdecb.ca

Free publications with Membership:

Canadian Journal of Diabetes (CJD) -- The official journal of the Professional Sections of CDA (Clinical and Scientific Section and Diabetes Educator Section), CJD offers interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and peer-reviewed original research on diabetes care and management.
Canadian Diabetes -- A quarterly publication, aimed at primary care physicians, it covers many aspects of diabetes care.
The Diabetes Communicator -- This quarterly newsletter is a tool for diabetes educators to network across Canada.
Diabetes Dialogue -- A quarterly publication for CDA lay members, it includes information on research, nutrition, health and lifestyle issues.
CDA Position Papers

Building Competency in Diabetes Education: Advancing Practice—This new product is designed for the ongoing professional education of diabetes educators who have moved beyond the novice level and are seeking to increase their knowledge and skills related to diabetes self-management education.
Building Competency in Diabetes Education: The Essentials--First published in 2001, this manual was designed for both those new to diabetes education and more experienced educators who want to update their knowledge. This self-directed program is intended to build on the learner’s existing skills by enhancing his/her knowledge of diabetes and its management.
Standards for Diabetes Education in Canada -- First published in 1995, these standards were adopted for world-wide use by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). A recognition and self-assessment program based on the standards was initiated in September 1997.
Patient Education Resources Kit (PERK) -- A simple teaching tool with tear-off/ take home pages for your patients. Tear-off sheets are available in English and Italian.
Self Assessment and Recognition Portfolio -- This program is under revision.
Research Works -- This manual has been written by experts in the field of applied research specifically for diabetes educators who want to conduct practice-based research. The manual will guide you through the research process - from choosing the research question, selecting the method, to presenting the results.

The DES National Chairperson has a designated position on CDA's National Board of Directors.
A member of DES is the international liason to the Diabetes Education Consultative Section of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
All CDA councils and most committees have a position fo a DES member.

The DES National Executive has representation on the CDA National Research Council.
Research Awards are granted to successful candidates who show innovation in diabetes research.
Applied research grants are granted to successful candidates in areas of practice-based research.
The DES Research Committee helps to establish programs and initiatives for research in the field of diabetes education.