BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

Addressing the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes

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For People with Diabetes

For Healthcare Professionals

Community Resources

Scales and Measures

Scales & Measures

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Diabetes Distress Assessment

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What's New in October 2025

BDI’s New Diabetes Distress Infographic

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.

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Monthly Events

October 8Case Consultation
October 8: 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.
October 18Diabetes Burnout
October 18: At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Society of Endocrinologists, in Hyattsville, MD, Dr. Polonsky (BDI President), will have the opportunity to lecture on one of his favorite topics, Diabetes Burnout. https://endoconnection.com/mid/ meetings/annual/info
October 31University of Michigan Workshop
October 31: Dr. Polonsky will be presenting BDI’s one day workshop, “Diabetes Turning Points: Psychosocial Challenges and Behavior Change Solutions in Diabetes”, to healthcare staff at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI. https://umich.cloud-cme.com/course/courseoverview?P=5&EID=81622

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