Beneficial effects of mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) on bio-physiological and psychological parameters among type 2 diabetics

Abstract

Diabetes is an illness that affects every aspect of a person’s life. The poor glycemic control is the main reason for the development of diabetes related complications and the stressful life.The nature of the disorder, age, lifestyle practices and psychosocial factors are playing an important role in the management of diabetes. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is a meditation therapy which promotes positive mindset, feeling of wellbeing and good medical outcomes without any side effects. Study was done to evaluate the beneficial effects of MBSR therapy on HbA1C, blood pressure, BMI, stress, depression and mindfulness among 138 type 2 diabetics. Participants were randomly assigned for intervention group and control group. The intervention group participants received 8 weeks MBSR and the control did not receive intervention. All participants in both groups received their routine medical treatment. Dependent variables were measured before andsix week after intervention. Follow-up was done at 10th week. Study results showed that MBSR had beneficial effect on HbA1C, blood pressure, BMI, stress, depression and mindfulness among participants in the intervention group.