What Is the Best Approach to the Management of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy?
Monday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m. PT
Room 24
San Diego Convention Center
Presentation: The Psychological Approach is Best
Lance M. McCracken, PhD
Professor of Clinical Psychology,
Uppsala University
What is your presentation about?
Psychological treatments are commonly applied to persistent pain conditions, but not very often in painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). There are good reasons to study, develop, and apply these treatments. This talk will present what we know so far and what we should do next.
What makes this topic important in 2023?
Up to this point there have been few effective solutions for people with PDN. The pain itself but also emotional and functional impact need to be addressed in more effective ways. Another important aspect of this problem is to understand why there has been so little study and implementation of psychological treatments in PDN.
How did you become involved with this area of diabetes research or care?
I began studying stress responses and blood glucose in diabetes during my PhD studies. I remained interested in diabetes as my interests in chronic conditions and practically chronic pain expanded. Then in 2016 a student seeking a PhD at King’s College London approached me wanting to do her studies in diabetes with me as her supervisor. We applied for funds, obtained them, and she was underway with her studies into psychological approaches to painful diabetic neuropathy.
How do you think your presentation will impact diabetes research or care?
I hope it will increase awareness and increase interest in the role of psychological research and clinical methods in diabetes. And, I hope for some it may spur them to develop local research or clinical initiatives in this domain. Diabetes care needs to include all aspects, effective self-management, health behavior, daily functioning, and personal wellbeing. The role of psychology here is obvious.
What are you most looking forward to at the 83rd Scientific Sessions?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people, making connections that might lead to collaboration, and gaining knowledge and information I can bring back to my research group.