New York Regional Center for Diabetes Translation Research

Albert Einstein College Of Medicine, Bronx NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The New York Center for Translational Research (NY-CDTR) presents an evolution of our National Resource Core, newly titled “Psychosocial Research on Intervention Science and Mechanisms of Disease in Diabetes” (PRISM-D). The PRISM-D Core aims to catalyze high-impact translational research addressing the complex interplay of psychological, social, and contextual factors in diabetes risks, management, and outcomes. This evolution aligns with research demonstrating that negative (e.g., depression, diabetes distress) and positive (e.g. positive affect, social support) psychosocial factors relate to diabetes risk and outcomes through interrelated behavioral (e.g., medication adherence, dietary patterns) and biological mechanism (e.g., inflammation, insulin resistance); that psychosocial challenges are prevalent among individuals with diabetes and negatively impact diabetes outcomes and healthcare costs; and, that interventions addressing psychosocial needs can support effective self-management and improve patient reported and clinical outcomes among people with diabetes. The evolved emphasis is also consistent with current diabetes care guidelines that highlight the importance of Integrating psychosocial support throughout the diabetes care continuum to improve long-term outcomes. These changes in scientific knowledge and clinical practice have fostered increased requests from National Resource Core users seeking resources in the psychosocial sphere. To meet these needs, the PRISM-D’s national investigative team will leverage our multi-disciplinary expertise and experience in areas including psychosocial and behavior change theory and measurement, with emphasis on innovative methods to assess psychosocial experiences, glycemic regulation, and intervention responses in real-time; developing and testing evidence-based diabetes prevention and intervention strategies that integrate psychosocial dimensions of health; and, employing community engaged research strategies and partnerships to create sustainable interventions that reach the populations at highest risk for diabetes and its complications. Building on past accomplishments and successful strategies of our prior National Resource Core, the PRISM-D core will offer consultations and services that support the following specific aims: 1) Develop a National Research Network of investigators conducting rigorous research to advance translational science on the psychosocial dimensions of diabetes. 2) Provide targeted consultations and methodological support to integrate psychosocial factors into studies of diabetes risk, prevention, management, and intervention. 3) Support and accelerate research addressing psychosocial dimensions of diabetes by leveraging existing datasets and infrastructure. Through these efforts, the evolved PRISM-D National Resource Core will significantly extend the national reach and impact of the NY-CDTR in promoting translational research that addresses diabetes risk, management, outcomes, and intervention through a biopsychosocial lens.