Diabetes Support Group-Study Results and Implications

ABSTRACT

This study examines the implications of support groups and their impact on the specific population of diabetics. An in-depth examination takes place of pre- and post-intervention levels of two variables in the subjects: pre- and post-glycosylated hemoglobin levels and pre- and post-social support questionnaire results. Subjects were studied over a 17 week period, and were involved in weekly meetings of a 1 1/2 hour support group for 10 weeks. The components of the meetings included gaining a sense of community to lessen the impact of isolation set up by this chronic illness, gaining personal insights into subjects' individual “stage” of adaptation to the disease, identification of feelings, discussion of potential complications, the potential impact of stress, exercise and positive self-talk on the blood glucose levels, coping strategies for dealing with multiple demands, and an opportunity to share with those who understand the impact of diabetes in subjects' individual lives. The intervention's effect shows a trend for reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels, but this change was statistically inconclusive. The research shows an increase in Confidant social support for participants who were involved in the support group study at the p < .10 level. Affective social support was not significantly changed. The findings of the current study outline the impact of a short-term support group experience on individuals living with diabetes. Future research ventures with lab tests which examine shorter-term glyco.