The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management Training on Glycemic Control and Depression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease with undesirable complications. In addition to physical complications, some psychological problems, especially stress and depression are prevalent among people with diabetes. The aim of present study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral stress management training on glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In a randomized clinical trial, 40 members of the Isfahan Diabetes charity, with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected through voluntary accessible sampling. Participants were randomized to the cognitive-behavioral (n=20) and the control groups (n=20). The case group participated in two-hour sessions of cognitive-behavior stress management training for 12 weeks. To evaluate the effects of intervention, the glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA­1c) test was administered before and 3 months after interventions and the depression subscale of the DASS scale was administered before, after, and again 3 months following intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. After intervention, the mean of HbA1c in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (p< 0/001). Also the mean for depression in the experimental group was significantly lower than in controls (p< 0/001), a finding that remained as such at the 3 month follow-up assessment. Stress management training can improve glycemic control and depression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is recommended that such trainings programs be intergrated into comprehensive treatment of diabetes mellitus.