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Addressing real-life aspects of diabetes - Behavioral Diabetes Institute

Welcome to the Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI), the world’s first organization dedicated to tackling the unmet psychological needs of people with diabetes. The BDI offers an array of evidence-based clinical programs, all designed to help people overcome the emotional and behavioral obstacles to living well with diabetes. The BDI, a non-profit corporation, is committed to:

  • helping people master the unique challenges of diabetes
  • conducting behavioral research in diabetes
  • providing health care providers with the specialty behavioral training necessary for managing diabetes effectively

The programs at BDI are designed to help participants develop a more hopeful outlook on life and greater confidence and control over diabetes. Our workshops and lecture series are listed below, and in greater detail on our Programs page.
Click here to download the latest Program Schedule (PDF).

Workshops For People With Diabetes

Getting on Track: A One-day Workshop for Mastering the Stresses of Diabetes
   Dec. 6, 2008 — Saturday

GETTING ON TRACK is a full-day workshop designed to help you manage diabetes more effectively. Class size is limited to 20 adult participants, and the atmosphere is both supportive and motivating.

December 6, 2008 — Saturday  —  people with Type 2 diabetes only
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

all workshops: 8:30am registration, 9:00am – 4:30pm

more info >

Defeating The Depression/Diabetes Connection
   Jan. 6, 2009 — Tuesday  —  Introductory Lecture
   Jan. 13–Feb. 17 — Tuesdays  —  Step 2, Six-Week Program

This series of workshops will give you more insight about the connection between diabetes and depression and will help you develop a personalized action plan for overcoming this negative cycle.

January 6, 2009 — Tuesday  —  6:30 to 8:00pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego
January 13–February 17, 2009 — six Tuesdays  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

Getting on Track: A One-day Workshop for Mastering the Stresses of Diabetes
   Jan. 17, 2009 — Saturday
   Mar. 21, 2009 — Saturday
   May 23, 2009 — Saturday

GETTING ON TRACK, our core program, is a full-day workshop designed to help you manage diabetes more effectively. Class size is limited, and the atmosphere is both supportive and motivating.

January 17, 2009 — Saturday  —  for all people with diabetes
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

March 21, 2009 — Saturday  —  for all people with diabetes
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

May 23, 2009 — Saturday  —  for people with Type 1 diabetes only
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

all workshops: 8:30am registration, 9:00am – 4:30pm

more info >

The Just-For-Parents Program
   Feb. 21, 2009 — Saturday

When your child has diabetes, stresses and strains in the family are likely. Learn new ways for coping with diabetes and your children, improve long-range metabolic outcomes and make peace with diabetes in your family.

February 21, 2009 — Saturday  —  10:00am to 1:00pm
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

more info >

Roundtable Discussion: Diabetes And Addiction – NEW!
   Mar. 3, 2009 — Tuesday

Living with diabetes and struggling with an alcohol or drug problem? Please join us for some honest discussion and hear from others who have struggled with this problem.

March 3, 2009 — Tuesday  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

more info >

Men With Diabetes: Time For Some Honest Discussion
   Mar. 19, 2009 — Thursday

This small group focuses on the issues and complications of diabetes specifically as they relate to men who have diabetes. Space is limited.

March 19, 2009 — Thursday  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

Defeating The Depression/Diabetes Connection
   Apr. 21, 2009 — Tuesday  —  Introductory Lecture
   Apr. 28–Jun. 2, 2009 — Tuesdays  —  Step 2, Six-Week Program

This series of workshops will give you more insight about the connection between diabetes and depression and will help you develop a personalized action plan for overcoming this negative cycle.

April 21, 2009 — Tuesday  —  6:30 to 8:00pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego
April 28–June 2, 2009 — six Tuesdays  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

Lecture Series For People With Diabetes

Navigating the Health Care System
   Dec. 3, 2008 — Wednesday

Why does it sometimes seem like you and your health care providers aren't on the same side? Part of the problem might be personality differences between you and your doctor; another important problem is the hidden pressures on health care providers. Dr. Paul Ciechanowski reveals critical secrets about these and other factors, and what you can do to make your conversations with your health care providers easier and more effective.

December 3, 2008 — Wednesday  —  6:30 to 8:00pm

The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital
2nd Floor Conference Room
9894 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037

Lecture Series For Healthcare Professionals

Click here for HCP Lecture details