Understanding diabetes and the role of psychology in its prevention and treatment

Diabetes is a common, chronic, and costly condition that currently affects millions of individuals in the United States and worldwide with even greater numbers at high risk for developing the disease. Dramatic increases in diagnosed diabetes are projected for the decades to come meaning that most people will be affected by diabetes; either personally or through a family member. This article introduces the special issue of the American Psychologist focused on diabetes by providing an overview of the scope of diabetes and the importance of psychologists for improving disease management and quality of life. This includes an overview of the contributions of the behavioral and social sciences toward improved diabetes prevention and treatment. Finally, the article will point to opportunities for psychologists to close the gaps in the research, develop practice competencies, and increase training opportunities to meet the challenges of diabetes today and in the future

Diabetes mellitus · Disease · Meaning (existential · Psychotherapist · Quality of life (healthcare · Scope (computer science · Diabetes Management and Education · Diabetes Management and Research · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Gerontology

• Psychological factors influencing life satisfaction in patients with chronic diseases

  Stéphanie Mussel, Elisabeth Spitz et al.•Psychology & Health•2025

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• Validation of a single question to measure internal health locus of control in Swedish primary care

  Open Access•Maria C M Eriksson, Ulf Lindblad et al.•Scandinavian Journal of Psychology•2023

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• The best possible self‐intervention as a viable public health tool for the prevention of type 2 diabetes

  Open Access•B Gibson, Kanayo Umeh et al.•Health Expectations•2021

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• Psychology, technology, and diabetes management

  Linda Gonder‐Frederick, Linda A Gonder-Frederick et al.•American Psychologist•2016

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• Evidence-based behavioral interventions to promote diabetes management in children, adolescents, and families

  Open Access•Marisa E Hilliard, Priscilla Powell et al.•American Psychologist•2016

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• Psychological conditions in adults with diabetes

  Mary de Groot, Sherita Hill Golden et al.•American Psychologist•2016

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• The social context of managing diabetes across the life span

  Open Access•Deborah J Wiebe, Vicki S Helgeson et al.•American Psychologist•2016

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• Psicologia e Diabetes no Brasil

  Open Access•Glaucia Margonari Bechara Rodrigues, Priscila Firmino Gonçalves Pecoli et al.•Psicologia Ciência e Profissão•2023

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• The Need for a New Medical Model

  Open Access•George L Engel•Science•1977

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• From ideas to efficacy

  Open Access•Susan M Czajkowski, Lynda H Powell et al.•Health Psychology•2015

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