Mindfulness-based stress reduction is associated with improved glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

CONTEXT Psychological distress is linked with impaired glycemic control among diabetics. OBJECTIVE Estimate changes in glycemic control, weight, blood pressure, and stress-related psychological symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes participating in a standard Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. DESIGN Prospective, observational study. SETTING Academic health center. PATIENTS Adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. INTERVENTIONS Participation in MBSR program for heterogeneous patient population. Diet and exercise regimens held constant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HA1c), blood pressure, body weight, and Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (anxiety, depression, somatization, and general psychological distress scores). RESULTS Eleven of 14 patients completed the intervention. At 1 month follow-up, HA1c was reduced by 0.48% (P = .03), and mean arterial pressure was reduced by 6 mmHg (P = .009). Body weight did not change. A decrease in measures of depression, anxiety, and general psychological distress was observed.