From Distress to Direction: Supporting People with Diabetes using Acceptance Commitment Therapy | Recording-From Distress to Direction: Supporting People with Diabetes using Acceptance Commitment Therapy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, hosted by the American Diabetes Association and presented by Dr. Erica Rutledge, a clinical psychologist specializing in diabetes care, focuses on understanding and addressing diabetes distress through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Diabetes distress refers to the emotional burden associated with managing the chronic demands of diabetes, impacting over half of adults with diabetes in the U.S. It often co-occurs with depression and anxiety, negatively affecting self-management, clinical outcomes, and quality of life.<br /><br />Dr. Rutledge introduces ACT, a psychological intervention emphasizing psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and values-based committed action to help individuals better cope with diabetes distress. A mindfulness and self-compassion exercise begins the session to foster kindness toward oneself amid challenges. The session highlights the three pillars of ACT: being present (awareness), openness to experience (acceptance and cognitive defusion), and engagement with meaningful values (committed action).<br /><br />Clinical tools discussed include brief, patient-centered assessments of distress and exercises such as identity grids and memes to change unhelpful thought patterns. ACT aims not to reduce distress by eliminating negative thoughts or feelings but by changing the individual's relationship to them, enabling more adaptive behavior aligned with personal values.<br /><br />Research indicates ACT-based interventions reduce diabetes distress and improve glycemic control. Resources such as the Diabetes Emotional Health Workbook and ACT training materials were shared. The webinar encouraged participant reflection, shared community wisdom, and provided continuing education credits. Dr. Rutledge emphasized using brief ACT techniques in clinical practice and personal self-care, fostering resilience in patients living with diabetes.

Keywords

Diabetes Distress

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ACT

Psychological Flexibility

Mindfulness

Self-Compassion

Diabetes Care

Emotional Burden

Clinical Outcomes

Resilience