Community-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives: The aim of the study is evaluate the efficacy of a telephone assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for adherence (CBCBT) in type 2 diabetes. Hypothesis: CBCBT will primarily reduce depressive symptoms and improve glycemic control and secondarily, improve adherence and self-care and reduce diabetes-specific distress. Design and subjects: This is a prospective randomized two-armed intervention study. One hundred sixty eight participants will be recruited from five sites covering the following clusters: New Territories East, Kowloon East and Hong Kong West. Intervention: The CBT protocol (Safren et al., 2013) will be used in the intervention. Specific components include: 1) introducing CBT for behavior change, 2) increasing pleasurable activities and mood monitoring, 3) cognitive restructuring, 4) problem-solving in self-care and 5) relaxation training. To maximize accessibility, eight sessions will be delivered face-to-face in group setting and the other four sessions will be delivered by telephone. Three monthly follow-up telephone calls will be made to consolidate treatment gains. Main outcome measures: Primary outcomes include the Beck Depression Inventory and glycemic control. Secondary outcomes include self-care and diabetes-specific distress. Data analysis: Treatment outcomes will be assessed by Repeated Measures ANOVA and also Intention to Treat Analysis. Regression models will be used to estimate effect sizes and associations among variables. Expected results: CBCBT would significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve glycemic control. With secondary outcomes, CBCBT will improve self-care and reduce diabetes-specific distress.