Effects of stress management training on glycemic control in women with type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is the most complicated disease, which often leads to some psychological disorders especially stress, anxiety and depression. Complete treatment of this disease requires psychological assessment and cognitive behavioral therapy. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of stress management training on glycemic control, stress, depression and anxiety on women with type 2diabetes. The sample consisted of 46 type 2 diabetic women, aged between 32-65 years, who were matched for age and the some other criteria considered in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental [n=23] and the control [n=23]. Using the DASS scale, depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed, and HbA1c levels for all patients were measured before the intervention. Then the experimental group underwent 12 sessions of stress management, based on the cognitive-behavior method 2 hours weekly, after which patients were again assessed for DASS and HbA1c and after 6 months as follow up period in both groups. There was a significant difference between experiental and control groups in HbA1C. The rate of HbA1C in experimental group significantly decreased compared to control [p<0.001]. Also There was a significant difference between two groups in DASS scale scores [depression, anxiety, stress] and HbA1c test after final session of intervention and after the 6 month follow up [P<0.001]. It is recommended to consider cognitive behavior therapy as an addition to treatment programs for type 2 diabetic patients