Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in People With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on depression, quality of life (QoL), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with diabetes.

DESIGN

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted.

METHODS

Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], Cochrane, PsycINFO, and three Chinese databases) were searched for relevant studies from inception to December 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MBSR and MBCT interventions for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were included.

FINDINGS

Nine studies described in 11 articles were included in the review. Meta-analysis showed a significant effect favoring MBSR and MBCT on depression (standardized mean difference -0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.16 to -0.51; p < .0001), the mental health composite score of QoL (mean difference [MD] 7.06; 95% CI 5.09 to 9.03; p < .00001), and HbA1c (MD -0.28; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.09; p = .004). However, effects on the physical health composite score of QoL have not been found.

CONCLUSIONS

MBSR and MBCT are beneficial in improving depression, the mental health composite score of QoL, and HbA1c in people with diabetes. More well-designed trials using longer follow-up measurements are needed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

MBSR and MBCT could be considered as effective complementary treatment alternatives for people with diabetes.