BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE
Addressing the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes
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BDI MONTHLY UPDATES
November 2026
November 11: BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at info@behavioraldiabetes.org if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.
November 3: Dr. Polonsky (BDI President) will be speaking on “Engaging the Disengaged: Diabetes Distress, Diabetes Burnout and More” at the Southern California Permanente Medical Group’s 32th Annual Diabetes Hybrid Symposium, in Long Beach (CA). Learn More Here
The Second Edition of Diabetes Burnout: What To Do When You Can’t Take It Anymore, by Dr. Polonsky, has just been published!
Completely re-written for the 21st century, we are hopeful that—like the first edition– it will be of benefit to many people.
For the next few months, it can only be purchased from the ADA Diabetes Store. Be forewarned: if anyone you know tries to purchase it through Amazon at this time, they will discover that the old first edition can be purchased there, but not the new edition!
BDI will be hosting a book signing party in San Diego where you will also be able purchase a book! More details to come soon!
Diabetes Burnout: When It All Feels Like Too Much
A Spotlight Conversation with Dr. Bill Polonsky and Heather Nielsen
Sunday, November 8, 2026 · 7 PM ET · Live on Zoom
Living with Type 1 diabetes can feel relentless—the decisions, the demands, and the emotional weight of managing it every day.
Join DiabetesSangha for a special conversation with Dr. William “Bill” Polonsky, co-founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute and author of Diabetes Burnout: What to Do When You Can’t Take It Anymore. Hosted by Heather Nielsen, we’ll explore diabetes burnout, practical ways to navigate overwhelm, and how mindfulness and self-compassion can support our emotional well-being.
Bring your questions and come as you are. This free community event offers space to learn, connect, and remember that you don’t have to navigate diabetes alone.
Finding Your ‘Healthy Good Enough”
Dr. Guzman (BDI Clinic Director) presented “Overcoming Diabetes Burnout: Finding Your Healthy Good Enough” on the latest webinar for Blue Circle Health
Fear of Hypoglycemia: A Conversation with Dr. Polonsky
Fear of hypoglycemia can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being and daily lives of people living with diabetes. In this episode of Blue Circle Health’s podcast, Dr. William Polonsky discusses the challenges of living with the fear of low blood sugar and why addressing these concerns matters. (Available November 4)
Letting Go of Diabetes Guilt
Managing diabetes isn’t just about blood glucose – it can also bring guilt, frustration, anxiety, and burnout. In this episode of Diabetes Primetime, Dr Guzman, shares tips to take the judgment out of glucose numbers, let go of blame and perfectionism, and navigate the emotional ups and downs of diabetes. Plus, learn how to recognize diabetes burnout, manage anxiety around highs and lows, and find support when diabetes starts to feel overwhelming.
WHO WE ARE
Behavioral Diabetes Institute
Diabetes isn’t merely medical — there’s an emotional and behavioral side to living with it.
The Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the emotional, social, and psychological challenges of diabetes. Through research, education, practical resources, and professional training, we work to help people with diabetes and the healthcare professionals who support them live healthier, more fulfilling lives.