Building Competency in Diabetes Education THE ESSENTIALS

CHANGES ACROSS THE LIFESPAN| 4-59

This list is not all-inclusive, and not every technique works for every person. Many of these skills are within the scope of practice of many educators of various disciplines and may be incorporated into their regular practice. Some of these interventions and/or some patients with more significant difficulties may require referral to a mental health professional. Recognizing the growing relationship between mental health disorders and diabetes, the 2018 Guidelines have extended the chapter on diabetes and mental health. Some recommendations made in this chapter include (153): 1. Individuals with diabetes should be regularly screened for diabetes-related psychological distress (e.g. diabetes distress, psychological insulin resistance, fear of hypoglycemia) and psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders) by validated self-report questionnaires or clinical interview [ Grade D, Consensus ]. Plans for self harm should be asked about regularly as well [ Grade C, Level 3 ]. 2. Psychosocial interventions should be integrated into diabetes care plans, including: • Motivational interventions [ Grade D, Consensus ] • Stress management strategies [ Grade C, Level 3] • Coping skills training [ Grade A, Level 1A for type 2 diabetes; Grade B, Level 2, for type 1 diabetes ]

• Family therapy [ Grade A, Level 1B ] • Case management [Grade B, Level 2 ]