Relaxation training significantly reduced blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to test whether adding a relaxation training technique to the medical treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus could, adjusting for the non-specific factors of therapy, lead to an improvement in the patients' condition. METHOD: Forty-six participants were randomly allocated either to an experimental (intervention) group, receiving weekly sessions of relaxation training, or to a control group (placebo) receiving weekly blood circulation training exercises. Measures included the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, blood glucose levels, high-density lipoprotein levels, cholesterol levels, body weight, HbA1c levels, the Mood Adjective Checklist (MACL), a diary checklist, and urine glucose levels. Assessment of psychological and physiological parameters was conducted before and upon completion of the intervention (8 weeks). RESULTS: Trait anxiety and the main metabolic measurement of blood glucose levels and HbA1C revealed significant differences over time, predominantly among patients in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Relaxation techniques as an adjunct to medical treatment are a useful tool for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.