Type 2 Diabetes and Depression: A Pilot Trial of an Integrated Self-management Intervention for Latino Immigrants

The purpose of the current study was to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an integrated self-management intervention that simultaneously targets diabetes and depression self-management in a primary care clinic that serves the Latino immigrant community.

The integrated intervention included behavioral activation and motivational interviewing techniques. It was developed with patient, family member, and provider stakeholders, and it comprised 6 individual sessions, followed by 2 monthly booster sessions. Eighteen Latino immigrants participated in an open trial of the intervention. A1C levels were examined at baseline and postintervention. Participants also completed measures of depression, diabetes self-management behaviors, patient activation, and diabetes-related self-efficacy and gave open-ended feedback about the intervention.

Feasibility of delivering the intervention in the primary care setting and acceptability to the target population were demonstrated. Among participants completing the intervention, A1C levels decreased significantly from baseline. A significant reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in diabetes self-management behaviors, patient activation, and diabetes-related self-efficacy were observed. Qualitative responses from participants indicated unilateral positive responses to the intervention and endorsed its continuation in the clinic.

This pilot trial demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of an integrated self-management intervention for diabetes and depression. In addition, preliminary data suggest that the intervention may have a positive impact on diabetes and depression-related outcomes. Further evaluation is warranted.