THE EFFECT OF STRESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING ON SHORT-TERM GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 1 DIABETIC PATIENTS

Abstract

ntroduction: In this study, the effect of stress management training on glycemic control has been investigated in type 1 diabetic patients. Methods: The participants were 60 type 1 diabetic patients (Aged 16-30). 30 Subjects attended in 3-month stress management training classes during which the prescribed insulin remained constant, but the other 30 one's did not. HbA1c from all patients were measured before and after the intervention. Besides, in order to assess the ways of coping, a questionnaire was completed by every patient and the scores were compared between two groups. Results: Trained patients showed significantly improved ways of coping. HbA1c changed from 11.7 ± 2.9 and 10.9±2.1 before training to 8.5 ± 1.7 and 10.3±2.1 after intervention in trained and control groups respectively and the changes were significant in case group (p = 0.000). In addition, the difference between HbA1c of two groups was statistically significant at the end of the study ( p = 0.001). Discussion: Results show a clinically significant beneficial effect of stress management training on glycemic control among type 1 diabetic patients. It is recommended to consider this type of trainings an addition to the treatment program in type 1 diabetic patients.