Researchers from the University of Heidelberg in Germany examined the long term impact of a mindfulness based intervention (MBSR) on patients with type 2 diabetes over 5 years, as compared with treatment as usual.  Psychosocial distress (depression, stress), progression of nephropathy and subjective health status were measured. This article presents data up to the first year of follow-up.

Patients with type 2 diabetes and micro-albuminuria were randomized to a mindfulness-based intervention (n = 53) or a treatment-as-usual control condition (n = 57).

The MBSR group showed lower levels of depression (d = 0.71) and improved health status (d = 0.54) as compared with the control group. No significant differences in albuminuria were found. Per-protocol analysis also showed higher stress reduction in the intervention group (d = 0.64).

At this point, the investigators found that the MBSR intervention achieved a prolonged reduction in psychosocial distress. The effects on albuminuria will be further evaluated.

Citation:  Hartmann M, Kopf S, Kircher C, Faude-Lang V, Djuric Z, Augstein F, Friederich HC, Kieser M, Bierhaus A, Humpert PM, Herzog W, Nawroth PP. Sustained effects of a mindfulness-based stress-reduction intervention in type 2 diabetic patients: design and first results of a randomized controlled trial (the Heidelberger Diabetes and Stress-study). Diabetes Care. 2012 May;35 (5): pages 945-7. Epub 2012 Feb 14. [email protected]