DIAMOS program reduces diabetes-related depression

A self-management cognitive behavioural program is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms and diabetes-related distress.
DIAMOS program
The DIAMOS program (Diabetes Motivation Strengthening) to treat subclinical depression in diabetes was developed and evaluated by Nobert Herman, PhD, and colleagues from the Research Institute Diabetes Academy Mergentheim in Germany.
The researchers assessed 214 patients with diabetes, who were divided into two groups; one to determine the effect of DIAMOS – a self management-orientated group program – and another which received diabetes education.
DIAMOS used cognitive behavioural interventions with the aim of integrating diabetes into daily life, while reducing diabetes-related distress. It was delivered to small groups by psychologists for five 90-minute lessons.
A significantly stronger reduction of depressive symptoms was observed in the DIAMOS group compared to the control group.
There were also significantly greater reductions in diabetes-related distress and the risk of incident major depression in the DIAMOS group.
“Elevated depressive symptoms are rather common in people with diabetes. Prognosis of diabetes and quality of life is impaired in people with diabetes and comorbid elevated depressive symptoms,” said Hermann.
“This intervention program (DIAMOS) was able to reduce depressive symptoms and diabetes related distress significantly.”
The findings from this study were published in Diabetes Care.