A special issue of Diabetic Medicine marks 30 years of the PSAD Study Group and explores the future
By Dr Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott
The PsychoSocial Aspects of Diabetes (PSAD) Study Group has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special issue of Diabetic Medicine. I was delighted to co-edit, alongside Dr Rita Forde and Professor Maartje de Wit. Since 1995, PSAD has brought together researchers committed to improving diabetes care through understanding the psychological, social and emotional aspects of living with diabetes. Three decades on, its mission remains as important as ever.
The issue opens with an editorial, From Strength to Strength: Why Psychosocial Research in Diabetes Is More Important Than Ever. The editors reflect on how psychosocial diabetes research has changed over the past 30 years. Their message is clear: better treatments and technologies can only improve lives when we also understand the emotional, social and psychological side of living with diabetes.
The special issue includes 12 papers on key challenges and future directions in psychosocial diabetes research.
What’s covered in the special issue?
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- Psychosocial aspects of early detection of type 1 diabetes
Explores the psychosocial impact of early detection research gaps and highlights areas where more research and support are needed. - The power of community
A key theme of the collection is partnership, especially involving people with diabetes in research. This commentary from #dedoc° leaders explores how people with lived experience can drive change through advocacy and community leadership. - Where is the social in psychosocial?
Calls for greater attention to social factors, such as relationships, systems and communities, that influence life with diabetes. - Meaningful lived experience involvement in research and care
A review of what helps, and what gets in the way of, involving people with diabetes in research and healthcare improvement. Check out our summary here. - New research methods in a high-tech world
A review of new ways to study the experience of living with diabetes in a digital world. Read more here. - Reducing diabetes distress
A realist review examining what makes group-based interventions effective for adults experiencing diabetes distress. - Embedding psychological care into routine diabetes services
Because it’s about time. - Women living with diabetes
A review highlighting the often-overlooked psychosocial impacts of diabetes on women across the lifespan. Read more. - #LanguageMatters and stigma-free communication.
A review of progress in diabetes language guidance and priorities for reducing stigma and promoting respectful, person-centred communication. Read more here. - Artificial intelligence and mental health in diabetes care
A review of how AI could support mental healthcare in diabetes, along with risks and challenges. - Disordered eating among people with type 1 diabetes
Highlights the need for better support and care. - Young adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes
A review examining the unique psychosocial challenges faced by this growing but often underserved population.
- Psychosocial aspects of early detection of type 1 diabetes
Thirty years on, PSAD continues to champion research that keeps people with diabetes at the heart of diabetes care. This special issue shows how and why psychosocial research matters more than ever. Better treatments and technologies are important, but they must also work for the people who need to use them every day. The ACBRD is proud to be part of the PSAD community.
Special issue to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes Study Group. Diabetic Medicine, 2026; 43(9).
