Endocrine Abstracts

Aim

Depression in diabetic patients is related to low quality of life, inadequate abiding by diabetes diet, physical activity and drug therapy.Aim of the stady is determine the presence of depression and its impact on the level of metabolic control of the disease; impact of structured education on the level of knowledge and HbA1c in patient with diabetes type 1 (T1D)

Methods

The study included 38 patients with T1D, median age of 32.7 years, 27 women and 11 men. For assessment of the level of depression the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used, as well as questionnaire on socio-demographic information. Interactive education program-structured therapy and study program ’Düsseldorf model’ of 5 day duration was applied. All patients had HbA1c measured in the beginning of the education and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 month follow-ups.

Results

Based on the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale 52.6% patients had clinically significant level of depression, 42.1%showed mild symptoms of depression and5, .2% patients showed no symptoms of depression. In the group of depressive diabetics 65% had unsatisfactory level of glycoregulation. After structured education program HbA1c levels decreased by 1.8% after 6 months and 1.2% after 12 months compared to initial levels (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

It could be concluded that the presence of depression has a tendency to predict poor metabolic control of diabetes. Structured education program is efficient in improving glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes. It motivates patients in achieving better glycaemia control.