The Effects from Type 2 Diabetes Management Programs on Mental Health and Diabetes Distress

Impaired mental health among patients with type 2-diabetes (T2DM) constitutes a major challenge as it has negative influence on T2DM self-management, HbA1c and complications. Inclusion of mental health issues in municipal rehabilitation is important as patients need to cope both physical, practical, and mental aspects of a life with T2DM. The aim of this study was to assess whether T2DM management program influences mental health including diabetes distress and overall wellbeing. Methods: During 2018-2021, all patients referred for T2DM management programs were invited to the study. Included patients completed a series of validated questionnaires including WHO-5, PAID-1 and PAID-5 at baseline, at end of the program and at 6 months follow-up. A total of 131 completed all three questionnaires and were included in the study. Based on a person-centered and differentiated approach to diabetes management programs, the intervention consists of teaching, physical training, cooking and/or individual conversations. Results: The study population consist of 60% men, age range primarily from 55-79, 57% have a short education level. At baseline, mean WHO-5 score was 61.6 points (IQR: 48.0-80.0). At end of rehabilitation a statistically significant increase of 4.6 points (95%CI: 1.1-7.8, p=0.003) was observed. At 6 months follow-up the WHO-5 score was leveled and unchanged when compared to baseline. According to PAID-5, 47% of included patients had diabetes distress at baseline. This was reduced to 30% and 26% at end of the program and at 6 months follow-up, respectively. Conclusion: T2DM management programs has a positive effect on mental health including general well-being and diabetes distress. Nonetheless there is still room for improvement which is why we have now initiated a project in collaboration with a research institute, aiming to improve identification of individuals and develop interventions targeting patients with moderate to high degrees of diabetes distress. Disclosure C.Glümer: None. A.D.Hvidberg: None. L.A.Helgstrand: None.