Use the following resources and tools to improve psychological care for people with diabetes.
People with diabetes experience disproportionately high rates of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. All people with diabetes should have access to psychological treatment and support to reduce psychological distress and improve self-management.
Publications
How to have a quality conversation about emotional health and diabetes, Diabetes UK (PDF, 259 KB)
Diabetes and emotional health - a practical guide for healthcare professionals supporting adults with Type 1 and type 2 diabetes (PDF, 3MB)
This guide is for healthcare professionals working with people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who are experiencing emotional difficulties. It offers strategies and tools for how to recognise and have conversations about emotional problems, as well as for providing appropriate support. Read more.
Three dimensions for diabetes (3DFD): Integrating psychological, social and diabetes care for patients with poor glycaemic control, Diabetes UK (November 2014) (PDF, 73KB)
- An integrated care model and pathway for mental health in diabetes (PDF, 2.10MB)
Essential reading
London's care pathway for diabetes: commissioning recommendations for psychological support, London Mental Health Strategic Clinical Network website (September 2014)
Investing in emotional and psychological wellbeing for people with long-term conditions, NHS Confederation website (April 2012)
Psychosocial care and diabetes, Medicine Matters website (2017)
Emotional and psychological support and care in diabetes, Emotional and psychological support working group of NHS Diabetes and Diabetes UK (2010)
Shared practice examples
Development of a primary care diabetes psychology service, Diabetes on the Net website (2014) (free, login required)
The diabetes wellbeing service in Hillingdon: the impact of psychological therapy on HbA1c in people with diabetes, Diabetes on the Net website (2014) (free, login required)
Resources
Three dimensions for diabetes (3DFD) patient referral form, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (Word, 75KB)
Diabetes wellbeing course in Hillingdon patient leaflet, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (PDF, 1.3MB)
Managing the psychological impact of diabetes, Dr Jen Nash video, Quality in Care website
Diabetes and emotional health leaflet, Diabetes UK (PDF, 90 KB)
Having a quality conversation about diabetes and emotional health (PDF, 805 KB)
This resource complements our longer how-to guide. Its purpose is to support you and your team to review the hints and tips and select specific suggestions that you can implement. The aim is to make some simple changes to your own services, methods and approaches to achieve better outcomes for people living with diabetes.
It is understood that different places have varying degrees of resources - so some of the recommendations may be relatively easy to implement in some settings yet more challenging in others.
Diabetes 10 Point Training - Inpatient and Community Mental Health Workers (2020) (PDF, 119 KB)
Diabetes 10 Point Training for people living with type 2 diabetes (2020) (PDF, 426 KB)
- Podcast series - Why psychosocial care matters
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the EASD's Psychological Aspects of Diabetes (PSAD) study group, Medicine Matters diabetes have created a podcast series focusing on psychosocial care and diabetes. Over six episodes, they will cover key areas including dealing with diabetes distress, the psychological impact of hypoglycaemia, using diabetes technology, adherence to medication, and disengagement with the condition.
Disclaimer: Please note you may find this information of use but please note that these pages are not updated or maintained regularly and some of this information may be out of date.
