A Telephone-Based Intervention to Promote Diabetes Management in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

The primary objective of this pilot study was to develop and implement a telephone intervention for veterans with diabetes and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Additional objectives were to evaluate study feasibility and to conduct exploratory analyses of the influence of the intervention on diabetic self-care, quality of life, treatment adherence, and mental health functioning. Twenty-three veterans with PTSS and diabetes enrolled in the study and received an initial assessment interview and intervention session. Twenty participants completed the study protocol in its entirety and also received 7 weekly motivational telephone calls with a clinician and a final assessment. Results revealed high levels of compliance with telephone calls. Participants reported satisfaction with and benefit from the intervention that occurred during weekly telephone calls. Participants reported a statistically significant increase in exercise behaviors and healthy eating from preto postintervention. Results also revealed a decrease in psychological distress. Although these data are preliminary, they speak to the feasibility and benefits of a brief telephone intervention to address self-care behaviors critical to the management of diabetes for individuals with PTSS.