The Reduction of Anxiety and Blood Sugar Level with Group Cognitive-Behavior Therapy in Men and Women with Type II Diabetes: An Experimental Study

Background: Although psychological distress can interfere with diabetes care, the effectiveness of Group Cognitive-Behavior Therapy in improving diabetes outcomes is unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve glycemic control in diabetic patients. The samples were 24 diabetic patients (12 in experimental group and 12 in control group) aging from 40 to 60 years. Materials and Methods: The anxiety symptoms and glycemic control were assessed prior to and following Group Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) using self-report instruments and through measuring glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting blood sugar (FBS). SPSS software version 16 was also used for statistical analysis of the study. Results: The results, analyzed by the analysis of covariance, indicated that after group-therapy, there were no significant differences between the two groups in as far as the means of FBS concentration. Moreover, a significant decrease was seen in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) concentration after group-therapy in the experimental group. As far as anxiety, no significant difference was observed between the two groups following the therapy; however, after group therapy, the anxiety of the women in the experimental group underwent a significant decrease. In addition, a reduction in anxiety symptoms was observed post group-therapy, and the reoccurred significant changes in the glycemic control. Conclusion: The findings of this pilot study suggest that group-therapy is a feasible intervention for patients with diabetes and anxiety symptoms. However, further research is needed if a development is to be had regarding the interventions that improve glycemic control.