BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

Addressing the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes

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Diabetes Distress Assessment

BDI MONTHLY UPDATES

What's New in September 2025?

Episode 17 of BDI Briefs, “Reaching A1C Goals with T1D: A national peek at reality”

In this month’s episode of BDI Briefs, Dr. Polonsky highlights the results from a fascinating new study that describes how people with T1D are now doing in the United States. Over the past decade, there has been a sizeable rise in the numbers who have achieved an A1C < 7.0% as well as a remarkable increase in the use of diabetes technology. This is pretty good news, but—as he will discuss– we still have a good long way to go! https://youtu.be/74dXpwS_Kvc

Last chance! Research opportunity for people with type 2 diabetes

Study recruitment is almost completed for BDI’s new research project which is investigating an innovative diabetes education program. However, we still have room for a few more people with type 2 diabetes. This opportunity might be right for you if you are ready to get on track with your diabetes, were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes less than 10 years ago, live anywhere in the U.S. and your last A1C was 7.0% or higher.

The study is examining how innovative new approaches to diabetes education might help to improve glucose outcomes and quality of life outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to take part in one of two different live, online, group education programs. Each group program will be lively and informative, and will meet once weekly for 5 weeks in a row. Also, half of the participants will receive a continuous glucose monitor and free supplies. If you are at all interested, don’t delay!

To find out more and see if you might qualify, click here to apply. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJ8NS6P

Or for more information, email us at [email protected] or call us at 858-336-8693.

NEW Scientific Publication

Dr. Polonsky was proud to lead the team in the development, completion and publication of a new randomized controlled trial: Does Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use Prompt Greater Engagement in Self-Management? A Randomized Controlled Trial Focusing on Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40781797/

JOIN US FOR A LOCAL EVENT

Monthly Events

September 10Case Consultation
September 10: 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.
September 14T1D Meet-up
September 14: Time for another T1D meet-up! GrownupT1Ds, a wonderful nonprofit here in southern California, which organizes fun social events for adults with type 1 diabetes here in southern California. This next one will be at 2 pm at Altar Society Brewing & Coffee Co, 230 Pine Ave, Long Beach. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP at www.grownupt1ds.org
September 27Scripps Presentation
September 27: Dr. Polonsky (BDI President), will be presenting The Power of Psych at Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute’s 2025 Updates in Diabetes Management, in La Jolla (CA). See: https://www.scripps.org/events/2025-updates-in-diabetes-management-september-27-2025

TYPE 2 DIABETES RESEARCH STUDY

Ready to get on a better track with your type 2 diabetes?

We are STILL recruiting for BDI’s new research study which is investigating an innovative diabetes education program. This opportunity might be right for you if you are ready to get on track with your diabetes, were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes less than 10 years ago, live anywhere in the U.S. and your last A1C was 7.0% or higher. The study is examining how innovative new approaches to diabetes education might help to improve glucose outcomes and quality of life outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to take part in one of two different live, online, group education programs. Each group program will be lively and informative, and will meet once weekly for 5 weeks in a row. Also, half of the participants will receive a continuous glucose monitor and free testing supplies. To find out more and see if you might qualify, click below to apply. Or for more information, email us at [email protected] or call us at 858-336-8693.

BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

Recent Publications

During 2024, BDI staff authored or co-authored 24 scientific publications and 8 published abstracts at major scientific meetings. You can see the full list at Publications – Behavioral Diabetes Institute. 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.

WHO WE ARE

Behavioral Diabetes Institute

Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI) is a nonprofit organization located in San Diego, California, focused on addressing the social, emotional, and psychological barriers to living a long and healthy life with diabetes. To better understand and overcome these obstacles, BDI is actively engaged in research examining the psychological aspects of diabetes and evaluating innovative behavioral interventions. In addition, BDI directly offers an array of unique, behaviorally-oriented products and services for: people with type 1 diabetes; people with type 2 diabetes; parents of children and teens with diabetes; spouses and partners of people with diabetes; and interested health care professionals. Products and services include print materials; online courses and modules, face-to-face workshops and seminars, professional training programs, and an online library of resources.

BEHAVIORAL DIABETES INSTITUTE

BDI Print Booklets

The Emotional Side of Diabetes

Don't Freak Out!

Diabetes Etiquette

Teens Diabetes Etiquette

Breaking Free From Depression

Spanish Diabetes Etiquette