Effectiveness of Self-Compassion Intervention Training on Glycemic Control in Patients with Diabetes

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Type II diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases with irreparable complications for patients if it is not managed properly. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self-compassion training on glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes, presenting to Taleghani Diabetes Clinic in Kermanshah. Methods: This quasi-experimental research with a pretest-posttest design and a control group recruited patients with type II diabetes presenting to Taleghani Diabetes Clinic in Kermanshah during 2016. Twenty patients were selected through convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned into experimental group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10). The experimental group was offered group self-compassion training in 8 sessions (90 minutes each) and the control group did not receive any training. The groups recorded their blood glucose levels three times a day in a form (3 hours after breakfast, 3 hours after lunch and 2 hours after dinner). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t-test in SPSS version 21 software. Results: The findings showed that after the intervention, the mean scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Self-compassion training is effective in glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Therefore, it is suggested that therapists and psychologists use this method to control blood glucose level of patients with diabetes.