Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for self-care behaviors with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review

Self-care behavior is associated with the risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Self-care behaviors can be improved through positive thinking, attitude, and knowledge. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be one of the interventions for improving self-care behaviors. However, the ideal model and duration of the intervention and an effective assessment instrument to measure the improvement in self-care behaviors remain unidentified. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the effectiveness of CBT, including its models, duration, and instruments, in improving self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCO Host, Directory of Open Access Journals, GARUDA, Taylor & Francis, and Gray Literature databases were systematically searched to identify studies that were in English and published in 2011-2021. The quality of the identified articles was assessed using The Critical Appraisal Skill Programme.

We found 368 patients in seven randomized controlled trials. CBT was significantly effective in improving overall self-care behavior, including blood glucose monitoring, physical activity, and medication compliance.

Individual and group CBT interventions applied face-to-face, via telephone, and via internet show an increase in self-care behavior in patients with T2DM. The duration of treatment had a significant effect at 3 months to 1 year with 12-21 sessions. CBT is performed by a CBT licensed nurse or psychiatrist, nutritionist, CBT psychologist with experience in diabetes care, doctors, research students.