Prof.  Akira  Tsuda
Teikyo University of School of Medical Sciences,  Japan

Title: Individual Differences, Perceived Stress, and Diabetes: Positive Psychological Perspective

Abstract:

There are several compelling reasons for the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes, in modern society. Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by ineffective insulin utilization, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and various health complications.
Recent research has identified several primary factors contributing to the rise in diabetes. 1) Dietary changes: There has been a notable increase in the consumption of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, while the intake of fruits and vegetables has declined; 2) Sedentary lifestyle: Modern lifestyles often involve more sedentary activities, such as desk jobs and car travel, resulting in reduced levels of physical activity; 3) Stress: Heightened stress from work and daily life negatively impact both eating habits and exercise routines; 4) Aging Population: As the population ages, there are more individuals in age groups that are at greater risk for lifestyle-related diseases.
From a positive health psychology perspective, empirical research is being conducted on the relationship between diabetes distress and blood glucose control in patients with diabetes. In this keynote presentation, we will discuss advanced initiatives and persuasive evidence. 1) Personality traits and blood glucose control: Patients with an optimistic outlook who perceive stress as an opportunity for growth often demonstrate greater resilience to stress and improved blood glucose management; 2) Adherence to recommendations: Patients who diligently follow dietary and exercise guidelines tend to achieve better blood glucose control; 3) Stress management: Reducing diabetes distress can enhance patients' self-management abilities and positively affect blood glucose control. These findings indicate that inclusive care of research and practice is vital in effectively managing diabetes.
E-mail: tsuda-akira@ntu.ac.jp

Biography:

Akira TSUDA, Ph.D., Full Professor of Health Psychology, at the School of Medical Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan, as well as Emeritus Professor of Kurume University in Fukuoka.
His principal research areas are Stress sciences and Positive psychology from a cross-cultural perspective. He is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and books/book chapters, and he is responsible for many editorial book series. He was invited to many international scientific conferences both as keynote and symposium speaker and/or lecturer and as chair and discussant such as the International Congress of Psychology (ICP) and International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP).
He is a member of the National Executive Committee of the Japanese Promotion for Science since 2010. Finally, he organized several important international conferences in Fukuoka, Yokohama, and Tokyo on many different topics.