Managing Diabetes Mindfully Study

Managing Diabetes Mindfully Study

To evaluate the feasibility of conducting a trial of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for patients with diabetes (DM) on measures of HbA1c, blood pressure, perceived stress, depression, patient self-efficacy and quality of life; and to estimate the effect of a MBSR program for patients with DM. It is expected that MBSR program participants will evidence a trend toward better clinical outcome measures of HbA1c, blood pressure, and standardized measures of diabetes self-management, perceived stress, depression, self-efficacy, and quality-of-life.

Primary Objective: Evaluate the feasibility of conducting a trial of a MBSR program for patients with diabetes on measures of HbA1c, blood pressure, perceived stress, depression, patient self-efficacy and quality of life. Feasibility will be assessed via: a) the interest of patients in taking part in an MBSR program; c) the effectiveness of strategies for recruiting patients with diabetes into the study; d) rates of participant compliance with the MBSR; and, e) patient compliance with the program evaluation plan.

Estimate the effect of a MBSR program for patients with diabetes. It is expected that MBSR program participants will evidence a trend toward better clinical outcome measures of HbA1c, blood pressure, and standardized measures of diabetes self-management, perceived stress, depression, self-efficacy, and quality-of-life.

Secondary Objective: To explore the experience of people with diabetes who participate in an MBSR course through the use of semi-structured interviews.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-80 years of age
• English speaking
• have type 2 diabetes, with 2 HbA1C values >8 in prior 16 months
• HbA1C value of >8 within 3 months of intervention start
• able to read course materials
• mentally intact with no history of mental illness or major depression
• reachable by phone (for phone support component)
• able to attend weekly classes
• willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• completed formal training in other mind body practices such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi within the prior year or currently have a regular ongoing practice in this area.