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 Workshops for Mastering the Stresses of Diabetes
   Sept. 26, 2009 — Saturday
   Nov. 21, 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.

September 26, 2009 — Saturday  —  for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
   The AMCR Institute, 700 West El Norte Parkway, Suite 201, Escondido, CA

November 21, 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 >

Diabetes And Addiction – Roundtable Discussion
   Oct. 22, 2009 — Thursday

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.

October 22, 2009 — Thursday  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

Tips, Tricks and Strategies for Managing Diabetes Day-To-Day – New!
   June 27, 2009 — Saturday

In this interactive program, we will review surprisingly simple behavioral strategies for improving your diabetes management.

June 27, 2009 — Saturday  —  10:00am to 1:00pm
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

more info >

Living WELL With Complications
   July 24-25, 2009 — Friday & Saturday

This two-day interactive workshop is for those who are adjusting to life with complications of diabetes, focusing on building new coping skills to enhance the sense of wellness.

July 24, 2009 — Friday  —  12:00 to 5:00pm
July 25, 2009 — Saturday  —  9:00am to 4:30pm
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

more info >

Men with Diabetes: Sexual Concerns – Special Event!
   Aug. 3, 2009 — Monday

Facilitated by a physician and behavioral psychologist, we will review and discuss causes, prevention strategies, medical treatments and behavioral strategies for addressing diabetes-related sexual issues.

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

more info >

The "Just For Parents" Program
   Aug. 8, 2009 — Saturday
   Nov. 14, 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.

August 8, 2009 — Saturday  —  10:00am to 1:00pm
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

November 14, 2009 — Saturday  —  10:00am to 1:00pm
   The Whittier Institute for Diabetes, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA

more info >

The "Just For Spouses" Program
   Aug. 18, 2009 — Tuesday

Meet other spouses/partners of people with diabetes, and share the very unique challenges and solutions that those of us living with this situation share.

August 18, 2009 — Tuesday  —  6:30am to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

Defeating The Depression/Diabetes Connection
   Sept. 22, 2009 — Tuesday  —  Introductory Lecture
   Sept. 29–Nov. 3, 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.

September 22, 2009 — Tuesday  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego
September 29–November 3, 2009 — six Tuesdays  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

Defeating The Depression/Diabetes Connection: ALUMNI GROUP
   Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2009 — four consecutive Tuesdays

PREREQUISITE: Enrollees must have completed the six-week Defeating the Depression/Diabetes Connection group program (see Program above).

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2009 — four Tuesdays  —  6:30 to 8:30pm
   Sharp Building at the Spectrum Center, 8695 Spectrum Center Ct., San Diego

more info >

A Celebration of Strength: BDI Luncheon Honoring Women with Type 1 Diabetes
   Oct. 10, 2008 — Saturday

This luncheon, lecture and discussion program is designed to honor women from all walks of life who have Type 1 diabetes. Only women with Type 1 may attend, and all guests are considered “honorees”.

October 10, 2008 — Saturday  —  11:00am to 2:00pm

more info >

Lecture Series For People With Diabetes

    No Lectures are scheduled at this time, but please check back soon.