Diabetes Constraints Scale

The 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 [email protected].

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.

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Monthly Events

July 8: 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. 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

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.