Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Life Expectancy, Fear of Death and Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients with Depression

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in diabetic patients that could change the disease prognosis in addition to affecting the treatment path. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on life expectancy, fear of death, and glycemic control in diabetic patients suffering from depression.

A quasi-experimental research with pre-test/post-test design and control group was conducted. The statistical population included 867 patients. The study inclusion criteria were type 2 diabetes, 20-65 years of age, secondary school education, and HbA1c below 7. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was completed and patients with moderate to severe depression were selected (n= 30). They were randomly assigned into two groups. Data were collected using Miller Hope Scale, Templer Death Anxiety Scale (1970), BDI-II, and measurement of HbA1c level. MBCT was performed for eight weekly sessions of 90 minutes, while the control group received no specific training. Data analysis was carried out applying Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Findings showed significant improvements in life expectancy (P= 0.000, F= 25.21), death anxiety (P= 0.000, F= 157.77), and HbA1c level (P= 0.000, F= 151.61) after the intervention.

MBCT is effective in improving life expectancy, fear of death, and HbA1c level in diabetic patients with depression. Therefore, attention should be paid to diagnose depressive disorders in diabetic patients and their follow-up and non-pharmacological treatments such as MBCT which could be of great benefit in controlling blood sugar level and reducing the severity of chronic complications.