What’s New in Diabetes Management: Psychosocial Care
Complex environmental, social, behavioral, and emotional issues—known as psychosocial factors—influence the health of people living with diabetes, as well as their ability to manage it. The American Diabetes Association issued its first position statement on psychosocial care, which provides important guidance for practitioners.
CONCLUSION
As providers, we should be familiar with the evidence-based, validated tools available to identify the psychosocial comorbidities of diabetes. Screening and assessing patients for psychosocial/behavioral challenges should be performed at an initial visit, at periodic intervals, and whenever there is a change in disease, treatment, or life circumstances.
Health care alliances with behavioral/mental health providers who are knowledgeable about diabetes treatment and the psychosocial aspects of diabetes are key. Patient-centered care is essential to promote optimal medical outcomes and psychological well-being. As members of the health care team, we must be respectful and responsive to patient preferences, needs, and values; clinical decisions should be guided by patient values. If A1C is not at goal despite maximized medication therapy and lifestyle modification, consider identifying and addressing any psychosocial factors that may be involved.
