Addressing Diabetes Distress in Primary Care: Where Are We Now, and Where Do We Need to Go?

Authors: Marisa Kostiuk, E Seth Kramer, Andrea Nederveld, Danielle M Hessler, Lawrence Fisher, Jessica A Parascando, Tamara K Oser

Abstract

Purpose of review: Addressing diabetes distress (DD), the emotional demands of living with diabetes, is a crucial component of diabetes care. Most individuals with type 2 diabetes and approximately half of adults with type 1 diabetes receive their care in the primary care setting. This review will provide guidance on addressing DD and implementing targeted techniques that can be tailored to primary care patients.

Recent findings: Structured educational, behavioral, and emotion-focused techniques have promise for treating DD. These interventions are unlikely to require advanced training and can be feasibly integrated into primary care settings without creating additional burdens on time or resources. Interventional studies examining treatment for DD are limited, leaving a gap for clear direction and consensus on how to target and treat DD in primary care patients. This review consolidates recommendations and approaches from recent findings on how to treat DD within the context of primary care.

Keywords: Diabetes distress; Evidence-based interventions; Primary care; Type 1 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39825946/

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BDI Monthly Events

June 5 - 8: It will be a busy time at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (New Orleans, LA), with new projects to be developed, old friends to see, and much to learn. Dr. Polonsky, BDI President, will serve a co-author on four poster presentations

May 13: 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.

August 14 - 16. Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) will be hosting the in-person ONE event, an amazing weekend experience here in San Diego for more than 500 people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones. Dr. Polonsky is honored to be one of the presenters, and we will hope to see many of you there. There are still a few spaces left, so if you’d like to know more, please visit

On October 24, BDI will host a live, one-day, CME workshop: Engaging the Disengaged: Innovative Strategies for Promoting Behavior Change in Diabetes. Run by Dr. Polonsky (BDI President) and Dr. Guzman (BDI Clinic Director), Participants will deepen their skills in recognizing and addressing common barriers to effective self-care and cardiometabolic medication initiation and maintenance, while fostering respectful, stigma-free clinical encounters.