In this episode Corinna Cornejo and guest co-host Heather Gabel discuss the second in a series of LIVE Interviews with Dr. Susan Guzman, PhD.

In her last interview on TuDiabetes Susan discussed the shame and blame that people with type 2 diabetes often face, as a result of widespread misunderstanding about what causes this condition, and what it really is.  This week’s discussion will continue that conversation, but move into ideas about how to change the general public concept of type 2 diabetes from one molded by misunderstanding, misinformation and stereotyping into one of compassion, understanding and admiration for the millions of people working hard to thrive with type 2 diabetes.

Susan Guzman, PhD is a clinical psychologist specializing in diabetes. Her clinical and research focus areas include overcoming emotional challenges that interfere with management, family issues, and promoting attitudes that support living well with diabetes, from diagnosis throughout life. Dr. Guzman integrates empathy, acceptance and practical guidance to help people better utilize their strengths in living life with diabetes.

In 2003, Dr. Guzman co-founded the Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI), the first non-profit organization devoted to the emotional and behavioral aspects of living with diabetes. At BDI, she has served as the Director of Clinical/Educational Services developing and leading programs for people with diabetes and their families. She developed and led many of BDI’s clinical programs, including “Defeating the Depression/Diabetes Connection” (an intensive, multi-week series), the “Just for Parent’s Program” and “Living Well with Complications” workshop. She also held programs for women with type 1 diabetes, spouses/partners, men with diabetes, and other specialized psycho-educational programs for those with diabetes.

Dr. Guzman received her PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in health psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego in 1998. She specialized in diabetes following the completion of her post-doctoral fellowship at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego where she served as the psychological liaison to Scripps Health’s Diabetes Advisory Committee.