People with Diabetes
Living with diabetes is about more than numbers.
Managing diabetes can take a lot of time, attention, and effort—and sometimes it can feel frustrating, exhausting, or overwhelming.
At the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, we focus on the emotional and behavioral side of diabetes. Whether you’re feeling burned out, struggling to stay motivated, adjusting to a new diagnosis, or simply looking for practical support, we’re here to help.
Explore our free tools, videos, assessments, and resources designed to help you live well with diabetes.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Diabetes?
Learn About Diabetes Distress
Diabetes distress is the emotional burden, worry, frustration, and exhaustion that can come with managing diabetes day after day.
Our free Diabetes Distress Assessment can help you identify how much distress you may be experiencing—and what parts of diabetes are weighing on you most.
Watch and Learn
BDI Briefs is an ongoing video series exploring the emotional and behavioral side of diabetes. Each episode takes on a different topic, with practical insights for people with diabetes, their families, and healthcare professionals.
More Videos and Talks
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.
Adjusting to a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
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.
Understanding Diabetes Burnout
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.
Free Print Materials
BDI offers free pamphlets, infographics, and other downloadable resources designed to support people living with diabetes and those who care about them. Explore a few featured resources below, or visit our full Print Materials library.
Diabetes Distress Infographic
Diabetes Etiquette For People Who DON’T Have Diabetes
DON’T FREAK OUT!
10 Things to Know When Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Distress Infographic
DON’T FREAK OUT 10 Things to Know When Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes Etiquette For People Who DON’T Have Diabetes
Explore BDI Research
BDI researchers study the emotional and behavioral side of diabetes, including diabetes distress, burnout, stigma, communication, and quality of life.
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