OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to analyze the effects of motivational interviewing (MI) on metabolic and psychosocial variables among individuals with diabetes.

METHODS

Four databases were searched between 2000 and 2021 years. Randomized controlled studies were included. The standardized mean differences were determined. The heterogeneity was analyzed using the I test. The methodological quality was evaluated independently by three researchers.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 16 studies. Glycated hemoglobin, postprandial plasma glucose (PG), systolic blood pressure (BP) significantly decreased after MI. There are no significant effects of MI on fasting PG, body mass index, diastolic BP, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride. MI had an overall significant impact on depression, emotional distress, and self-efficacy. Only four studies had 7 points based on the Modified Jadad Scale. The Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

MI effectively reduced glycated hemoglobin, postprandial plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, depressive symptoms, emotional distress, and increased self-efficacy.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This meta-analysis showed that MI was effective at improving metabolic control and psychosocial variables. MI should be considered a complementary treatment for people diagnosed with diabetes. Future studies should be structured as long-term studies with higher methodological quality.