Background: One million Veterans (25%) who receive health care through Veterans Health Administration (VHA) have diabetes and are therefore responsible for daily diabetes self-management (DSM). DSM is essential for glycemic control and prevention of potentially life threatening and disabling complications such as severe hypoglycemia, kidney failure, acute coronary syndrome and stroke. Importantly, 40% of individuals with diabetes suffer from diabetes-related distress (DRD) that interferes with their ability to sustain healthy self-management behaviors, and may be particularly problematic for Veterans who are at higher risk for comorbid negative emotional states such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.