The Diabetes Tune-Up Group: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Diabetes Distress and A1C Among Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of delivering the Diabetes Tune-Up Group (DTU), a cognitive-behavioral-therapy-based (CBT) multidisciplinary intervention for adults with diabetes distress and elevated A1C using a group in-person delivery format. Methods: The DTU intervention consisted of 6 weekly group sessions (90 minutes in duration per session). The groups were cofacilitated by a diabetes care and education specialist (DCES) and a master’s-level clinical psychology trainee. The intervention integrated CBT with patient-centered diabetes education. Using a pre/post study design, participants completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months following the intervention. Results: The sample consisted of 29 adults with type 1 diabetes (N = 8) or type 2 diabetes (N = 21) who were predominantly female (79%), White (59%), and educated (56% with a college degree or greater). Participants attended 131 total sessions out of 174 possible sessions, for an overall attendance rate of 75.3%. At 3-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in A1C values (mean decrease = 0.39%). Diabetes distress improved significantly from baseline (mean = 3.44, SD = 0.68) to post-intervention (mean = 2.94, SD = 0.68), and 3-month follow-up (mean = 2.55, SD = 0.75). Significant improvements were also observed in diabetes self-efficacy from baseline to post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: This group-based, multidisciplinary intervention resulted in improvements in A1C, diabetes distress, and patient self-efficacy in caring for diabetes. Future studies to validate this intervention approach across settings and delivery platforms are needed.