In recent years the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has shown an exponential rise across the world. Being both a genetic and a life style disease, DM affects not only the individuals and the families, but also the communities. As a progressive metabolic disorder it cumulatively affects multiple organ systems and in the long run often leads to numerous physical complications. The disease and its physical complications both can and often do result in a plethora of psychological complications.

Over the decades, there has been a burgeoning research interest in the psychological aspects related to DM. In keeping with the quite broad and complex nature of DM, the research issues are numerous and varied. The picture is confounded by methodological issues that still persist and need considerable work in different directions.

The World Health Organization has pledged to build awareness towards the global epidemic of DM. To this end, assimilating information on the psychological aspects of DM in a comprehensive and scientifically critical manner shall be a step in right direction. Mainstream focus and interest in research and clinical aspects of DM has invariably centered around the physical aspects/complications. It is probably an opportune moment to provide the same focus and intensity to the psychological aspects too.

Keeping this in perspective, the editorial team would like to invite prospective authors to submit original research or review articles on the theme of the special issue.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus and related complications
• Cultural factors, cultural competence, and Diabetes Mellitus
• Complications of Diabetes Mellitus and related psychosocial aspects
• Stigma and Diabetes Mellitus
• Burden of care and needs for families
• Quality of life in Diabetes Mellitus
• Coping by patients with Diabetes Mellitus and their families
• The interplay of stress with Diabetes Mellitus
• Psychosexual functioning and Diabetes Mellitus
• Psychiatric morbidity in patients with Diabetes Mellitus
• Barriers and strategies for management of the psychosocial-cum-psychiatric morbidity in Diabetes Mellitus
• Guideline and recommendations on pharmacological management in patients with Diabetes Mellitus
• Young diabetics and their parents: a cohort with need for special focus