Support Group Therapy and Type 2 Diabetes: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Support Group Therapy on Glycemic Control in Diabetes

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 PhD in Clinical Psychology, Assistant Professor of Shahid Beheshti University, Department of Clinical Psychology, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD in Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

4 PhD in Psychology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: Diabetes is a type of metabolic disorder characterized by limited or no insulin secretion or function, which leads to high blood glucose levels. Individuals with diabetes can have a high quality of life if their glycemic levels are well controlled. Taking part in support groups and social support may play a key role in supporting the ability of patients to maintain glycemic control. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of support group participation on the glycemic control of patients with diabetes.
Methods and Materials: A total of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes (20 recently diagnosed patients and 40 patients living with diabetes for more than 5 years, 20 of whom had adequate glycemic control and 20 did not have adequate control of their glycemic levels) from Shahriyar city, Iran, were invited to participate in the study. Patients participated in support group therapy sessions held over eight weeks. Glycated hemoglobin was assessed as the outcome indicator of glycemic control prior to and after the intervention. One-way ANOVA was used for data analysis.
Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test glycated hemoglobin levels prior to and after group therapy. Further results indicated that the length of illness and previous successful management of illness did not affect the impact of the effect of participation in support group therapy.
Conclusion: We found that support group therapy was an effective treatment for maintaining glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Such therapy can be included as a psychological intervention in treatment plans for patients with diabetes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume 6, Issue 1
March and April 2017
Pages 28-35

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 October 2015
  • Revise Date: 28 February 2016
  • Accept Date: 01 March 2016
  • First Publish Date: 21 March 2017

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