Practice Paper

A Practical Approach to Mental Health for the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

The American Diabetes Association includes mental health in its Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, elevating its importance in overall diabetes care and making it critical that diabetes care and education specialists understand how to address mental health issues within their practice.

This practice paper covers the different psychosocial concerns and potential pharmacologic options for people with diabetes. It also provides guidance on the screening and referral process.

Key Points:

• Depression and other mental health related conditions are more commonly found in people with diabetes. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there’s help! Diabetes care and education specialists need to help their clients overcome any stigma associated with mental illness and encourage them to seek treatment by a mental health professional, if needed.
• If a person with diabetes realizes that they are eating even when they are not hungry, this is a cue to the diabetes care and education specialists to explore the reasons or potential emotional triggers. 
• If a person with diabetes has tried making behavioral changes and is struggling, be open to discussing a referral to a mental health specialist. 
• Promote the role of caregivers who can serve as needed champions, helping the person with diabetes remember to do such things as take their medication as prescribed and manage stress.