The Effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy on the Reduction of Glycated Hemoglobin in Patients with Diabetic Type 2

Aim and Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus type 2) is a long-term metabolic and physiologic disorder which has a relationship with the pattern of behavior and lifestyle. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cognitive therapy on the reduction of glycated hemoglobin among people with type 2 diabetes.
Methods and Materials: This study was a quasi-experimental research with an experimental and control groups in a pretest, posttest, and follow-up design. The statistical population of the research included all patients with type 2 diabetes, aged from 25-45, who were under treatment in the Diabetes Clinic of Dr. Ganjavian Hospital, Dezful, Iran, and had been diagnosed for at least one year. The sample size consisted of 40 men selected by convenience sampling method. Allocating the individuals in the experimental and control groups was done randomly. Ten group-sessions were held weekly for 2 hours for the experimental group, while the control group was on the waiting list. In order to examine the changes made by the cognitive therapy program, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was recruited.
Findings: Cognitive therapy led to a reduction in glycated hemoglobin of the experimental group in the posttest and follow-up phases. However, the control group did not show a significant change in the posttest as compared to the pre-test.
Teaching cognitive therapy can be effective in controlling blood sugar (HbA1c) among patients with type 2 diabetes.