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

March 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.

18th International Conference for ATTD (Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes) in Amsterdam, Dr. Polonsky (BDI President) has three presentations.

On March 19, Dr. Polonski will present CGM is Wonderful, But… at the Roche-sponsored symposium, “Translating the Power of Prediction into Diabetes Management”, and Insulin Therapy Experience: Considering the Needs of People Living with Diabetes (with Professor Cukierman-Yaffe) at the Sanofi-sponsored symposium, Confidence and Simplicity in Diabetes Management”. https://attd.kenes.com/

On March 20, Dr. Polonski will present Improved Patient- and Physician-Reported Outcomes with IGlarLixi When Switching From Premixed Insulin in People with Type 2 Diabetes: The Soli-Switch Study. https://cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/attd25/attendee/confcal/session/calendar/2025-03-20