People with Diabetes

BDI along with colleagues in the field of diabetes health and mental wellbeing are continuously working on research projects to further improve the lives of people living with diabetes worldwide.

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BDI Briefs

BDI’s monthly video program about the emotional side of diabetes that examines a different topic in each episode. This program is designed both for healthcare professionals and for people with diabetes.

Psyching Out Diabetes

Dr. Polonsky’s presentation at the “Search for a Cure” TEDx Del Mar event where clinicians and researchers share research and real life experiences with others involved in the search. Dr. Polonsky presented on the emotional and behavioral issues involved in managing diabetes, and outlined BDI’s understanding of the approaches used by people who live well with diabetes.

Being Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: A Panel of Patients Discusses Their Emotional Experiences

Watch this panel of people with type 2 diabetes discuss how they felt and reacted to their diagnosis of type 2. The panel is moderated by Dr. Lawrence Fisher, Director of Research for BDI. This event was sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.

Diabetes Burnout – From Discouraged to Encouraged

Watch BDI’s Dr. Susan Guzman’s presentation on why diabetes can be so discouraging. Dr. Guzman offers strategies that people with diabetes can use to help keep them motivated. This presentation was delivered at the George Hegstrom Annual Diabetes Symposium, Mary Greeley Health Center.

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Monthly Events

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 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 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.

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.

Does Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use Prompt Greater Engagement in Self-Management? A Randomized Controlled Trial Focusing on Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

August 8, 2025 No Comments

Authors: William H Polonsky, Emily C Soriano, Fleur Levrat-Guillen, Mariya Chichmarenko, Haley Sandoval, Alessandra Bastian, Addie L Fortmann, Andrew Kwist, Michael Vallis Abstract Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) promotes

Beyond the Trend Arrow: Potential Value of Artificial Intelligence-Supported Glucose Predictions for People with Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

May 29, 2025 No Comments

Authors: Sufyan Hussain, William Polonsky, Renza Scibilia, Timor Glatzer Abstract Advances in diabetes technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have provided