Controlled Study of Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation in Type I Diabetes
- Angele McGrady, PhD,
- Barbara K Bailey, RN, MSN, CDE and
- Marion P Good, RN, MSN
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Angele McGrady, PhD, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Medical College of Ohio, PO Box 10008, Toledo, OH 43699-0008.
Abstract
Objective The effect of biofeedback-assisted relaxation was tested in a randomized trial in 18 adults with insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes.
Research Design And Methods Pretreatment and posttreatment blood glucose values and insulin dosages in the group trained for 10 wk in biofeedback-assisted relaxation were compared with those in the untrained group.
Results Significantly lower average blood glucose levels, percentage of fasting blood glucose levels at target, and percentage of glucose values < 11.2 mM were observed in the trained group at posttest compared with the untrained group.
Conclusions These differences could not be explained by increases in insulin. It is suggested that stress management be considered as an adjunct to the medical management of people with type I diabetes.
- Received June 12, 1990.
- Accepted January 10, 1991.
- Copyright © 1991 by the American Diabetes Association
