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/

Share the Post:

BDI Monthly Events

May 7: As a keynote speaker at OMEGA, the First International Conference on Once-Weekly Glycated Albumin Monitoring for Diabetes, Dr. Polonsky (BDI President) will be presenting on “Glucose Monitoring and Behavior Change” (Tokyo, Japan).

May 14: 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.

May 18: Time for another T1D meet-up! Our friends and colleagues at GrownupT1Ds, a wonderful nonprofit here in southern California, is organizing another fun social event for adults with type 1 diabetes. This time it is a Walk, Talk & Picnic, and it begins at 11 am at the Bommer Canyon Trail (1 Sunnyhill, Irvine, CA). 92084. This event is free, but please RSVP Kelly Daes at www.grownupt1ds.org.

May 23: Dr. Polonsky will be presenting (virtually) on “Far Beyond Time in Range: Exploring the Promises and Limitations of CGM” at SITEC 2025, Innovation and Technology Transforming Diabetes Care (Sao Paolo, Brazil). https://sitec.diabetes.org.br/