BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

Addressing the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes

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For People with Diabetes

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Scales & Measures

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Diabetes Distress Assessment

BDI MONTHLY UPDATES

What's New in April 2025

Taking Action Against Diabetes Stigma

After an unexpected hiatus, BDI Briefs— our video program that examines important aspects of the emotional side of diabetes– is back and resuming its monthly schedule! In this month’s episode of BDI Briefs, we discuss a recently published study that highlights how social support can lead to significant glycemic benefits. Bottom line: when you have someone in your life who is rooting for you, it can make all the difference in the world. Join Dr. Guzman (BDI Director of Clinical Education), Dr. Polonsky (BDI President), and Scott Johnson (famed diabetes blogger and a dear BDI friend) for this stimulating discussion.

BDI's new website is live!

After many years, it was time to refresh our online home, www.behavioraldiabetes.org. We have streamlined the content and made lots of other significant changes. More updates and changes will be occurring over the next few months so, please come back and visit us. We hope you will find the website easier to navigate and even more useful than before! 

NEW Scientific Publication

Dr. Fisher (BDI Research Director) served as a co-author on an important new publication about addressing the problem of diabetes distress in the primary care setting: Addressing Diabetes Distress in Primary Care: Where Are We Now, and Where Do We Need to Go?

JOIN US FOR A LOCAL EVENT

Monthly Events

April 9Case Consultation Meeting
April 9: BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at [email protected] if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.

TYPE 2 DIABETES RESEARCH STUDY

Ready to get on a better track with your type 2 diabetes?

We are STILL recruiting for BDI’s new research study which is investigating an innovative diabetes education program. This opportunity might be right for you if you are ready to get on track with your diabetes, were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes less than 10 years ago, live anywhere in the U.S. and your last A1C was 7.0% or higher. The study is examining how innovative new approaches to diabetes education might help to improve glucose outcomes and quality of life outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to take part in one of two different live, online, group education programs. Each group program will be lively and informative, and will meet once weekly for 5 weeks in a row. Also, half of the participants will receive a continuous glucose monitor and free testing supplies. To find out more and see if you might qualify, click below to apply. Or for more information, email us at [email protected] or call us at 858-336-8693.

BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

Recent Publications

During 2024, BDI staff authored or co-authored 24 scientific publications (which includes the 3 new ones highlighted above) and 8 published abstracts at major scientific meetings. You can see the full list right HERE. Our work has covered a wide range, including studies on diabetes distress, the value of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for people with diabetes, the impact of diabetes medications on quality of life, the benefits of diabetes technology for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, diabetes stigma, and more.

WHO WE ARE

Behavioral Diabetes Institute

Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI) is a nonprofit organization located in San Diego, California, focused on addressing the social, emotional, and psychological barriers to living a long and healthy life with diabetes. To better understand and overcome these obstacles, BDI is actively engaged in research examining the psychological aspects of diabetes and evaluating innovative behavioral interventions. In addition, BDI directly offers an array of unique, behaviorally-oriented products and services for: people with type 1 diabetes; people with type 2 diabetes; parents of children and teens with diabetes; spouses and partners of people with diabetes; and interested health care professionals. Products and services include print materials; online courses and modules, face-to-face workshops and seminars, professional training programs, and an online library of resources.

BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

BDI Print Booklets

The Emotional Side of Diabetes

Don't Freak Out!

Diabetes Etiquette

Teens Diabetes Etiquette

Breaking Free From Depression

Spanish Diabetes Etiquette