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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For People with Diabetes

For Healthcare Professionals

Community Resources

Scales and Measures

Scales & Measures

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Diabetes Distress Assessment

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.

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.

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

February 3Virtual Presentation
February 3: Dr. Guzman (BDI’s Director of Clinical Education) will moderate ADA’s “Diabetes 101: Case Management Webinar”.
February 11
February 11Case Consultation
February 11: 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.
February 22
February 22T1D Meetup
February 22: Time for another T1D meet-up! GrownupT1Ds, a wonderful nonprofit that organizes fun social events for adults with type 1 diabetes here in southern California and now spreading to other cities across the United States. The next one will be at 1 pm at Hooleys Public House, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP at www.grownupt1ds.org
April 18
April 18CME Workshop
On April 18, 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.

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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.