Program ACTIVE: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Depression in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Appalachia

Evaluating the Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Glycemic Control Among Residents of Rural Appalachia

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a range of co-morbid physical and psychological conditions, including depression. Yet there is a dearth of evidence regarding the prevalence of depression among those in Appalachia living with T2DM; this gap persists despite the higher regional prevalence of T2DM and challenging social determinants of health.

Purpose

This study aimed to provide greater detail about the relationships between T2DM and depressive symptoms in adults living in Appalachia Kentucky.

Methods

The present study was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data derived from an ongoing study of Appalachia Kentucky adults living with T2DM. Outcome data included demographics, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, point-of-care HbA1c, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation to determine the statistically significant relationships between variables which were then included in a multiple regression model.

Results

The sample (N=365), consisted primarily of women (n=230, 64.6%) of mean age 64 years (±10.6); almost all (98%) were non-Hispanic White (n=349), and most were married (n=208, 59.1%). The majority (47.2%) reported having two comorbid conditions (n=161), including T2DM, and the mean HbA1c was 7.7% (1.7). Nearly 90% were nonsmokers (n=319). Depressive symptoms were reported in 25% (n=90) of participants. A higher number of comorbid conditions, increased age, Medicaid insurance, tobacco use, lower financial status, female sex, and disability compared to fully employed status all were correlated with a higher rate of depressive symptoms (r ≤ 0.2). The regression indicated that depressive symptoms were associated with age (β = -0.010, p = 0.001); full-time employment status compared to those who are disabled (β = -.0209, p = 0.18); men compared to women (β = -0.122, p = 0.042), and those who smoke compared to nonsmokers (β = 0.175, p = 0.038).

Implications

Depressive symptoms were correlated with T2DM among this sample of Appalachian residents with poorly controlled T2DM, especially among women. Given the vast number of social determinants (e.g., poverty, food insecurity, and rurality) affecting this population, healthcare providers must assess for depression and consider its negative influence on the patient's ability to achieve glycemic control.

Burden and management of type 2 diabetes in rural United States

In the United States, rural areas have a higher burden of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to urban areas. However, there is limited information on risk factors and interventions that improve the primary prevention and management of T2DM in rural areas. To synthesize current knowledge on T2DM in rural areas and to guide healthcare providers and policy makers, we reviewed five scientific databases and the grey literature over the last decade (2010-2020). We described classification systems for rurality and the T2DM burden based on rurality and region (West, South, Midwest, and Northeast). We highlighted risk factors for T2DM in rural compared to urban areas, and summarized interventions to screen and manage T2DM based on opportunistic screening, T2DM self-management, community-based initiatives, as well as interventions targeting comorbidities and T2DM. Several studies identified the co-existence of T2DM and depression/psychological symptoms, which could reduce adherence to non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic management of T2DM. We highlighted the role of technology in education and counselling of patients with geographic and financial barriers to accessing care, which is exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. We identified knowledge gaps and next steps in improving T2DM care in rural areas. There is an urgent need for interventions tailored to rural areas given that rural Americans currently experience a disproportionate burden of T2DM and are encumbered by its associated morbidity, mortality, and loss in economic productivity.

A Prospective, Non-randomized Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy Study of a Telemedicine-Enabled Co-management Intervention for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Anxiety and/or Depression

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility of codelivering a mental health intervention with an evidence-based type 2 diabetes (T2DM) boot camp care management program. The preliminary impact of participation on symptom scores for depression and anxiety and A1C was also examined.

METHODS

This was a 12-week, non-randomized pilot intervention conducted with a convenience sample of adults with uncontrolled T2DM and moderate depression and/or anxiety at an urban teaching hospital. Co-management intervention delivery was via in-person and telehealth visits. Participants were assessed at baseline and 90 days.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 18) were African American, majority female (83%), and age 50.7 ± 13.4 years. Significant improvements in mental health outcomes were demonstrated, as measured by a reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 scores of 2.4 ± 2.9 (P = .01) and in Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 scores of 2.3 ± 1.9 (P = .001). The pre-post intervention mean A1C improved by 3.4 ± 2.1 units from 12% ± 1.4% to 8.5% ± 1.7% (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The data generated in this pilot support the feasibility of delivering a diabetes and mental health co-management intervention using a combination of in-person and telemedicine visits to engage adults with T2DM and coexisting moderate depression and/or anxiety. Further research is warranted.

50 Years of Behavioral Science in Diabetes: A 2020 Vision of the Future

This article is adapted from a speech Dr. de Groot delivered in June 2020 as President, Health Care & Education, of the American Diabetes Association at the Association's 80th Scientific Sessions, which was held online as a result of coronavirus disease 2019. Dr. de Groot is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine. She serves as the Acting Director of the IU Diabetes Translational Research Center. Dr. de Groot is the 2020 recipient of the Rachmiel Levine Medal for Leadership from the American Diabetes Association.In the year 2020, we marked the 50th anniversary of the field of behavioral science in diabetes in the modern era. Over this relatively short period of time, this field has charted the psychosocial landscape of prediabetes and diabetes by establishing the prevalence and impact of emotional and behavioral aspects of diabetes. Interventions to address these conditions have been developed that span the T2 to T4 translational research spectrum ranging from the intrapsychic to population-based interventions. Policies ranging from standards of care to Medicare benefits have been implemented. A review of research in the area of diabetes and depression is provided as an example of innovations in this field. Behavior is the foundation of all interventions we make in diabetes and prediabetes. As a mature science, it is critical to stemming the tide of diabetes and its outcomes. To make additional strides, we must rebalance our focus and augment funding for behavioral interventions for individuals, communities, and health care systems in conjunction with other forms of treatment.

50 Years of Behavioral Science in Diabetes: A 2020 Vision of the Future

Editor's Note: This article is adapted from a speech Dr. de Groot delivered in June 2020 as President, Health Care & Education, of the American Diabetes Association. She delivered her address at the Association's 80th Scientific Sessions, which was held online as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019.