*CRS Q/A Question: The ADA and APA offer a mental health provider education program, but it is in-person only and will be given only three times in 2019. What resources do you recommend to help our clinic’s behavioral health providers become proficient in managing diabetes distress?
Image credit: http://tp.amegroups.com/article/view/16992/17492
First of all, thank you for this awesome question, and for caring about diabetes distress.
According to Dr. Lawrence Fisher, diabetes distress refers to all the fears and worries that people with diabetes experience on a daily basis. Fear of complications or the fear of hypoglycemia are examples of the types of concerns that may cause diabetes distress.
Diabetes distress happens in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and can lead to isolation, diminished self-care, and higher A1C.
One of the best sources of information on diabetes distress is the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego. Their website has products and resources that you may find helpful. As with anything, awareness is the first step. Providers need to be aware just as much as people living with diabetes. Supporting people through diabetes distress is very important work and not to be taken lightly.
I helped out with an interview study recently, where we asked about diabetes distress. I was amazed at how few health care providers were not familiar with that term. So please spread the word!
Thanks again for bringing up this important topic!