Motivational/solution-focused intervention improves HbA1c in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: A pilot study

AIMS: We piloted a motivational and solution-focused therapy group intervention to improve glycaemic control in young people 11-17 years with poorly controlled Type 1 diabetes (mean annual HbA1c >8.5%). METHODS: Seventy-seven subjects agreed to be assessed for a pilot non-randomized controlled trial. Subjects completed psychological questionnaires and were given feedback designed to encourage entry into the intervention. Twenty-one young people opted to enter the intervention groups (cases). Two intervention groups consisting of five to six subjects were conducted in each age band 10-13 years and 14-17 years. Twenty of those who did not opt to join the groups were randomly selected to act as controls. Cases and controls were well matched for age, HbA1c, duration of diabetes and socio-economic status. RESULTS: The intervention produced a significant improvement of 1.5% in HbA1c in cases (P<0.05) at 4-6 months post intervention compared with no change in controls. This improvement was partly maintained at 7-12 months post intervention. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot data suggest that a motivational/solution-focused group intervention is promising in improving HbA1c in adolescents and should be investigated further in a randomized controlled trial.