Meta-Analytic Insights Into Mindfulness Approaches for Depression and Diabetes Comorbidity Care.
Kenni Wojujutari Ajele, Erhabor Sunday Idemudia
Diabetes Spectrum 2025 DOI: 10.2337/ds24-0048 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Randomized Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,336 |
| Population | People with diabetes and depressive symptoms |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms (SMD -0.88) and improved A1C levels (SMD -0.23) in individuals with comorbid diabetes and depression. |
Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in managing comorbid depression and diabetes by assessing their efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and improving glycemic control, while addressing inconsistencies in existing research. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of 17 randomized controlled trials published between 2013 and 2024 and involving 1,336 participants with diabetes and depressive symptoms. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges' g and random-effects models, with heterogeneity assessed using I 2 statistics. MBIs significantly reduced depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.88, 95% CI -1.34 to -0.42) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 90%) and improved A1C levels (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.38 to -0.08). Among intervention types, mindfulness-based stress reduction (SMD -1.02, 95% CI -1.57 to -0.48) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (SMD -0.92, 95% CI -1.45 to -0.39) showed strong effects. Effects varied by region, with Asian studies showing greater benefits (SMD -1.44) compared with North American studies (SMD -0.61). MBIs are effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving glycemic control in individuals with comorbid diabetes and depression. These findings highlight the importance of culturally adapted approaches and call for further research to refine MBI applications in diabetes care.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on depression, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Effect of mindfulness-based interventions on people with prehypertension or hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC cardiovascular disorders February 14, 2024
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Counseling on Blood Glucose and Perceived Stress in Women with Gestational Diabetes Revista Brasileira Ginecologia e Obstetrícia September 1, 2023
- Managing type 2 diabetes and depression with Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behavior Therapy (MiCBT) Discover Psychology December 1, 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Focus on Pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Current diabetes reports October 1, 2022
- Towards a mechanistic understanding of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) using an RCT neuroimaging approach: Effects on regulating own stress in social and non-social situations. Neuroimage July 1, 2022
and 1 more in the library