Publications

BDI along with colleagues in the field of diabetes health and mental well being are continuously working on research projects to further improve the lives of people living with diabetes worldwide.

When insulin degludec enhances quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: a qualitative investigation

Authors: Weatherall J, Polonsky WH, Lanar S, Knoble N, Håkan-Bloch J, Constam E, Philis-Tsimikas A, Marrel A Abstract Background: Anecdotal reports suggest that insulin degludec (IDeg) may offer unique health-related quality of life (HRQoL) benefits. As the nature of these benefits remain unclear, this study utilized qualitative research methods to investigate and elucidate the experience of “feeling better” after initiating

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A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Nocturnal Hypoglycemia, Daytime Hypoglycemia, Glycemic Variability, and Hypoglycemia Confidence in Persons with Type 1 Diabetes Treated with Multiple Daily Insulin Injections (GOLD-3)

Authors: Ólafsdóttir AF, Polonsky W, Bolinder J, Hirsch IB, Dahlqvist S, Wedel H, Nyström T, Wijkman M, Schwarcz E, Hellman J, Heise T, Lind M. Abstract Background: To evaluate the effects of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on nocturnal and daytime hypoglycemia in persons with type 1 diabetes treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI); we also evaluated factors related to

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The Use of Language in Diabetes Care and Education

Authors: Dickinson JK, Guzman SJ, Maryniuk MD, O’Brian CA, Kadohiro JK, Jackson RA, D’Hondt N, Montgomery B, Close KL, Funnell MM. Abstract Language is powerful and can have a strong impact on perceptions as well as behavior. A task force, consisting of representatives from the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), convened to discuss

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A practical framework for encouraging and supporting positive behaviour change in diabetes

Authors: Fisher L, Polonsky WH, Hessler D, Potter MB. Abstract A wide range of diabetes-directed interventions – including novel medications, devices and comprehensive education programmes – have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. But in the real world of diabetes care their efficacy is often dependent upon on how well a clinician is able to support personal engagement

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Impact of an Automated Bihormonal Delivery System on Psychosocial Outcomes in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Authors: Weissberg-Benchell J, Hessler D, Fisher L, Russell SJ, Polonsky WH. Abstract Objectives: The study assessed the psychosocial impact of the bihormonal bionic pancreas (BP) on adults in a real-world outpatient setting. Research design and methods: Thirty-nine adults with type 1 diabetes at four study centers across the U.S. participated in a two-arm, random-order, crossover design study: 11 days with

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Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Usual Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Randomized Trial

Authors: Beck RW, Riddlesworth TD, Ruedy K, Ahmann A, Haller S, Kruger D, McGill JB, Polonsky W, Price D, Aronoff S, Aronson R, Toschi E, Kollman C, Bergenstal R; DIAMOND Study Group. Abstract Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which studies have shown is beneficial for adults with type 1 diabetes, has not been well-evaluated in those with type 2 diabetes

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Challenges faced by physicians when discussing the Type 2 diabetes diagnosis with patients: insights from a cross-national study (IntroDia® )

Authors: Capehorn M, Polonsky WH, Edelman S, Belton A, Down S, Gamerman V, Nagel F, Lee J, Alzaid A. Abstract Aims: To investigate physicians’ recalled experiences of their conversations with patients at diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, because physician-patient communication at that time may influence the patient’s subsequent self-care and outcomes. Methods: As part of a large cross-national study of physician-patient

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Understanding the Gap Between Efficacy in Randomized Controlled Trials and Effectiveness in Real-World Use of GLP-1 RA and DPP-4 Therapies in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Authors: Carls GS, Tuttle E, Tan RD, Huynh J, Yee J, Edelman SV, Polonsky WH. Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate and explain the gap between clinical efficacy and real-world (RW) effectiveness of type 2 diabetes medications. Research design and methods: This mixed-methods quasi-experimental study used retrospective claims (Optum/Humedica) to compare the change in HbA1c of RW

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Type 2 Diabetes in the Real World: The Elusive Nature of Glycemic Control

Authors: Edelman SV, Polonsky WH. Abstract Despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of over 40 new treatment options for type 2 diabetes since 2005, the latest data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that the proportion of patients achieving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) remains around 50%, with a negligible decline between the periods 2003-2006

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BDI Monthly Events

June 5-8
June 5-8ADA Scientific Sessions
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
June 10
June 10Case Consultation
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
August 14-16ONE 2026
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
October 24
October 24CME Workshop
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.

Publications

BDI along with colleagues in the field of diabetes health and mental well being are continuously working on research projects

Read More