The EASD's First Clinical Guideline: Assessment and Management of Diabetes Distress

In this episode, EASD presents its inaugural clinical guideline on diabetes distress. Drawing on two years of multidisciplinary work, the guideline was developed by clinicians, methodologists, psychologists and people with lived experience. Prof. Jane Speight, Prof. Richard Holt and patient-advocate Michelle Law describe what diabetes distress is (the emotional burden tied to daily self-management) and why routine assessment and supportive care must become part of standard practice. The guideline sets out eight good practice statements to help clinicians normalise conversations about emotional wellbeing, plus graded recommendations for managing distress in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Psychological interventions are endorsed where evidence supports them, and clinic-level actions that clinicians can deliver without referral are highlighted. The panel also discusses evidence gaps, the need for practical tools and training, and how people living with diabetes can drive implementation by asking for these conversations in clinic. Join EASD TV to hear how this guideline aims to transform diabetes care by putting emotional wellbeing alongside clinical outcomes.