Our health care systems are often poorly configured to effectively treat chronic diseases that require the development of a collaborative daily self-management plan and on-going follow-up. Health professionals also struggle with the realities of dealing with a chronic disease in which the daily care is in the hands of the person with diabetes. Effective and efficient communication is essential for addressing the metabolic, educational, behavioral and psychosocial needs as a component of quality patient care and education.  This symposium will focus on the skills needed to be an effective communicator using active listening and other patient-centered strategies