Since its founding under the direction of Jill Weissberg-Benchell, PhD, the Diabetes Psychology Research Program has focused on evidence-based psychosocial interventions. The program’s work is based on the understanding that psychosocial distress can affect metabolic outcomes in pediatric diabetes patients. By researching family-centered interventions, the team aims to lessen psychological burden while improving both mental health and metabolic control for children with diabetes.
Research from this program has had an impact beyond local clinical care, influencing international policy and practice. Dr. Weissberg-Benchell’s studies on insulin pump therapy have played a role in Germany’s national health system decision to cover insulin pumps through insurance. Publications from the team also support advocacy and funding efforts for diabetes camps and psychosocial initiatives across the United States.
The positive effects of diabetes camp experiences on young patients have been demonstrated in earlier studies. With support from the American Diabetes Association, current research is evaluating these benefits through a multi-phase study:
– In Phase I, focus groups with adult alumni and current staff explored what elements of camp provide psychosocial advantages.
– Phase II looks at connections between psychosocial factors like anxiety or family functioning and metabolic data such as glucose monitoring among campers over time.
– Phase III will use a randomized controlled trial to give scholarships to families facing financial barriers so their children can attend camp during 2026-2027, comparing outcomes with other participants.
Support from organizations such as the Helmsley Charitable Trust and Eli Lilly will allow researchers to expand their study in 2026 into non-ADA-affiliated overnight camps and day camps. This will enable comparison across different models—including sports-focused or family-oriented programs—to better understand which aspects most benefit participants.
Although attending diabetes camp is not considered standard clinical care, staff at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago recognize its value for therapeutic and psychosocial development. Lurie Children’s endocrinologist Juan Lado, MD, leads the main ADA diabetes camp in Chicagoland, with several hospital staff volunteering each summer.
The period just after diagnosis is seen as critical for long-term adjustment in young people with diabetes. Supported by Breakthrough T1D, Drs. Weissberg-Benchell and Marissa Feldman (Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital) developed a structured support intervention for newly diagnosed families at Lurie Children’s Hospital led by Kelsey Brzezinski, PhD. Insights from experienced families shaped this program to address knowledge gaps encountered early after diagnosis. Early results show high satisfaction among participants and perceived improvements in coping; findings were published recently by the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
Young adults aged 18–25 face particular challenges when transitioning out of pediatric care systems—such as increased emergency visits or missed medication doses—as they move toward managing their condition independently. The research team created a group intervention focusing on collaborative problem-solving between adolescents and caregivers thanks to grants including those from Breakthrough T1D and others.
This intervention worked on building skills related to autonomous disease management, communication strategies, adaptive coping techniques, and navigating healthcare systems more effectively—showing high satisfaction among families involved along with improved readiness for transition.
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago promotes comprehensive care that addresses medical as well as emotional needs of children and their families (official website). The hospital operates its primary campus in downtown Chicago alongside outpatient centers throughout the region (official website). It serves as Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s main pediatric teaching affiliate (official website) while offering treatment across more than 70 specialties (official website). Nationally recognized for excellence according to U.S. News & World Report (official website), it maintains an emphasis on research innovation through Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute to advance child health outcomes (official website).
According to program leaders: “The team remains dedicated to expanding the evidence base for psychosocial interventions in pediatric diabetes care, developing scalable, evidence-based approaches that improve psychological well-being and metabolic outcomes throughout childhood and adolescence.”
