Effects of Compassion Meditation on Psychological Status in Patients With Diabetes: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Western Journal of Nursing Research June 29, 2026 Seongkum Heo, Tammy Barbé, Justus Randolph et al.
A 4-week compassion meditation intervention using recorded Zoom sessions (30-40 minutes each) improved diabetes self-efficacy and reduced diabetes distress in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In a pilot randomized controlled trial with 46 participants, those in the intervention group (n=17, mean age 51.8 years) showed higher self-efficacy and lower diabetes distress at follow-up compared to the control group (n=29, mean age 51.7 years). Within the intervention group, diabetes distress decreased while self-compassion and self-efficacy improved. The authors conclude that this brief, virtual meditation program may enhance psychological well-being in diabetes patients.