Stress management training in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Good diabetic control minimizes the risk of complications. Stress affects control directly through the release of hormones and indirectly by disrupting self-management activities. This review examines the impact of stress management interventions on glycaemic control. Qualifying studies since 1980 were identified using searches of Medline and PsycInfo databases. Ten were identified in adult populations, and four in adolescent populations. The general trend suggested that stress management interventions may be useful in management of diabetes. Further research will provide greater understanding of the particular benefits of various components of stress management training in relation to specific subgroups of the diabetic population.