Understanding Trauma in Diabetes Care | Recording-Understanding Trauma in Diabetes Care Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The American Diabetes Association webinar "Understanding Trauma in Diabetes Care," presented by Dr. Anthony Vesco and Megan Lerner, focused on the deep connections between trauma, social stressors, and diabetes management outcomes. Dr. Vesco outlined how systemic issues like residential segregation, poverty, and discrimination contribute to trauma exposure and health disparities, which negatively impact diabetes control, increasing complications and management difficulties. Trauma is widespread, with many experiencing adverse childhood events that correlate with higher A1C levels and diabetes-related distress. Both youth and adults with diabetes can experience trauma from severe medical events, with significant proportions reporting PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation.<br /><br />Megan Lerner emphasized trauma-informed care principles, such as emotional and physical safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. She advocated for universal trauma precautions in medical settings, trauma-specific screening with appropriate referrals, and adapting clinical environments to reduce hyperarousal triggers. Strategies include building rapport through open-ended, nonjudgmental communication, offering patients voice and choice, and using calming tools. Importantly, providers should avoid stigmatizing language and behaviors, replacing terms like “non-compliant” with understanding patients’ unmet needs.<br /><br />Dr. Vesco highlighted that effective communication—empathic, culturally sensitive, and strength-focused—can reduce stigma, increase engagement, and improve diabetes self-management. He recommended integrating behavioral health with diabetes education, particularly collaborating with psychologists when PTSD affects treatment adherence. The presenters stressed tailoring trauma-informed practices to specific clinical settings and fostering systemic changes to address broader social determinants of health. Overall, the webinar underscored the necessity of trauma-aware, patient-centered diabetes care to enhance health equity and outcomes.

Keywords

trauma in diabetes care

American Diabetes Association webinar

Dr. Anthony Vesco

Megan Lerner

social determinants of health

trauma-informed care

diabetes management outcomes

PTSD and diabetes

behavioral health integration

health equity in diabetes