Biofeedback assisted relaxation seems to have a positive effect in patients with type 2 diabetes, leading to significant decreases in blood sugar levels – controlling diabetes, the findings of a small study suggest.
Biofeedback and relaxation are useful adjuncts for the treatment of type 2 diabetes – lead investigator Dr. Ronald A. McGinnis.
To investigate, the researchers randomly assigned 39 patients to a biofeedback or education group. The biofeedback patients underwent 10 weekly individual sessions featuring relaxation and biofeedback training, problem-solving and stress management.
The education-only group underwent three individual educational sessions, held four to five weeks apart, on aspects of diabetes, researchers report in the September issue of Diabetes Care.
Biofeedback and relaxation were associated with significant decreases in average blood sugar levels and muscle tension compared with the education-only group.
Subjects in both groups had decreased depression and anxiety scores at the end of the study.
The researchers conclude that biofeedback training may be helpful for diabetes.