(F24) The Fear of Affording Diabetes: Addressing Diabetes-Related Financial Distress

Friday, August 7, 2026

3:50 PM - 4:35 PM ET

CE: .75 CE

People with diabetes face substantial financial burdens when navigating the healthcare system. Diabetes care and education specialists (DCES) offer critical support and resources, yet resources for financial distress are limited. This session will review healthcare policy and evidence on the emotional burden of financial distress in diabetes. We will discuss research on diabetes distress, cost-coping behaviors (including medication and supply rationing), and present a real-life case study of cost-related self-management barriers. Strategies for DCESs to assess financial distress, communicate about costs, and provide support resources will be shared.

Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Describe key contributors to financial stress and distress among people with diabetes.
Explain how financial distress contributes to diabetes distress and cost-coping behaviors across the lifespan.
Apply strategies to assess financial distress, adapt diabetes self-management education, and connect individuals to appropriate resources.

Disclosure(s):

Katherine Wentzell, PhD, PNP, BC-ADM: No financial relationships to disclose

Julia E. Blanchette, PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES: Eli Lilly: Consultant / Advisory Board (Ongoing); Embecta: Consultant / Advisory Board (Ongoing); Insulet Corporation: Speakers' Bureau (Ongoing); Sequel MedTech: Consultant / Advisory Board (Ongoing)

Primary Presenter(s)

KW

Katherine Wentzell, PhD, PNP, BC-ADM

Assistant Professor
William F. Connell School of Nursing, Boston College

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Co-Presenter(s)

Julia E. Blanchette, PhD, RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor, Nurse Scientist
Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals

Disclosure(s): Eli Lilly: Consultant / Advisory Board (Ongoing); Embecta: Consultant / Advisory Board (Ongoing); Insulet Corporation: Speakers' Bureau (Ongoing); Sequel MedTech: Consultant / Advisory Board (Ongoing)