Behavioral Diabetes Institute Launched to Address Psychological and Emotional Needs of Individuals with Diabetes; Led by Renowned Diabetes Psychologist and Author, This Non-Profit is the First to Focus on Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes.

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego has become home to the world's first institute developed to provide psychological support and training for individuals with diabetes and their loved ones. The Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI) is a non-profit organization, recently launched by William Polonsky, PhD, CDE. Dr. Polonsky is an internationally known, Yale-trained clinical psychologist, certified diabetes educator, associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and author of "Diabetes Burnout: What to Do When You Can't Take It Anymore". Formerly the senior psychologist at the famed Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Dr. Polonsky continues to be an active researcher in behavioral diabetes and travels throughout the world speaking to patients and health care professionals about the emotional stresses of living with diabetes and how they can be addressed. At the BDI, Dr. Polonsky and his team of respected clinical psychologists offer an array of clinical programs designed to help individuals and families overcome the emotional and behavioral obstacles to living well with diabetes.

Diabetes is a tough disease that can be hard for many people to handle. Managing one's own diabetes takes time, knowledge and effort. People often become overwhelmed, or "burned out", by the unending, often burdensome self-care demands. Many report feeling angry, frightened or unmotivated. Relationships with loved ones can become strained, creating further feelings of isolation. Addressing these real-life aspects of diabetes is critical for long-term success. Unfortunately, they are often given little attention in common medical practice.

The Mission of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI)

The Behavioral Diabetes Institute is dedicated to helping people with diabetes live long, healthy lives by addressing these difficult psychological and behavioral issues. Recent scientific evidence indicates that most long-term diabetes complications can be delayed or prevented when there is good medical care and good self-management. The BDI was designed to support individuals in achieving the metabolic goals necessary for good health.

The BDI offers: 1) for individuals - diabetes-specific psychological support and training programs, 2) for healthcare professionals - comprehensive training programs in behavioral diabetes interventions, 3) for the diabetes community - ongoing research programs to evaluate the efficacy of behavioral interventions as integral parts of diabetes care.

Small group workshops for people with diabetes and their loved ones are held throughout the year including BDI's core program, 'Getting on Track'. This flagship program allows participants to learn about the emotional pitfalls linked to diabetes, identify their own pattern of diabetes-related stresses, and develop personalized strategies for mastering the challenges of their disease. Currently, BDI programs are offered in California only, but the Institute plans to expand and offer programs nationwide in the coming year.

For more information on the Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI): 885-336-8693; www.behavioraldiabetes.org