BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

Addressing the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes

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For People with Diabetes

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Scales and Measures

Scales & Measures

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Diabetes Distress Assessment

BDI MONTHLY UPDATES

What's New in November 2025

The Power of Psych: A Tale of 3 Studies

The Power of Psych. Watch Dr. Polonsky’s presentation at the recent Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute’s 2025 Updates in Diabetes Management, which is now available to all.

We have had requests for an infographic on Diabetes Distress (DD). We hope that people will find it useful for understanding what DD is, how common it is, why it is important and how to assess for DD. We hope more people with diabetes will be asked how they are doing as part of routine clinical care and more healthcare professionals will feel confident and willing to be helpful in addressing DD.

JOIN US FOR A LOCAL EVENT

Monthly Events

November 12Case Consultation
November 12: 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.
November 15T1D Meet-up
November 15: Time for another T1D meet-up! GrownupT1Ds, a wonderful nonprofit here in southern California, which organizes fun social events for adults with type 1 diabetes here in southern California. This next one will be at 2 pm at Brewery X, 3191 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP at www.grownupt1ds.orgmeetings/annual/info
November 7UCSF Diabetes and Pregnancy
November 7: Dr Guzman (BDI Director of Clinical Education) and Dr Fisher (BDI Director of Research) will lead an adapted DD-ASSIST Program for the clinical team the UCSF Diabetes and Pregnancy Program. The goal of this program is to help the team be able to assess and address pregnancy-related diabetes distress as part of their routine care.

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 and 8 published abstracts at major scientific meetings. You can see the full list at Publications – Behavioral Diabetes Institute. 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