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Diabetes Constraints Scale

The DCS is a 6-item self-report scale that assesses the degree to which people with diabetes perceive the limitations and constraints associated with diabetes and its management. It has been validated for use in adults with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. One of its primary uses in current and future clinical trials is to document the degree to which many of our new devices and medications help to reduce felt constraints and allow for freer and more flexibly lifestyles.

This copyrighted scale is available free of charge to non-profit institutions for use in clinical care and research. However, payment of a per use licensing fee is required for all for-profit companies and other for-profit institutions. To find out more about licensing procedures and fees in regards to for-profit organizations, please contact us at info@behavioraldiabetes.org.

The key DCS publication is:

Title: How Might We Tell if Advances in Diabetes Care and Technology are Helping People to Feel Less Constrained? Introducing the Diabetes Constraints Scale 

Date: 2024

Authors: Polonsky WH, Soriano EC, Strycker LA, Fisher L

At this time, the DCS is only available in English.

DCS Scale, English

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Monthly Events

September 9
September 9Case Consultation
September 9: BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at info@behavioraldiabetes.org if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.
October 16
October 16Diabetes Data Workshop
BDI friends and fellow healthcare professionals, Adam Brown and Aimeé José, present an in-person half-day workshop for people with diabetes here in San Diego, How to Make Diabetes Data Your Friend. Don’t miss it!
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.