The effects of mindfulness training on the level of happiness and blood sugar in diabetes patients

Purpose The present study aimed at investigating the effect of mindfulness training on the level of happiness and blood glucose in diabetic patients in Zarghan city, Iran. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2018 in Fars province, Iran. 136 diabetic patients who were eligible (had diabetes for more than one year, older than 18 years, willingness to participate in the research, and reside in Zarqan city) were selected based on convenience sampling method. Next the participants were randomly divided into two groups, each comprising 68 individuals. Both of the study samples and statistical analyser were blinded to intervention group (mindfulness training) and control group (without intervention). Before and three month after the intervention the patients' levels of happiness (based on Oxford Happiness Questionnaire), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Glycated Hemoglobin test (HbA1c) were measured. Results The results indicated that after the sessions, the level of happiness in the Intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p value <0.001). Also, the level of blood glucose and HbA1c after the sessions was significantly lower in the Intervention group compared to the control group (p value<0.001, p value = 0.004). After the intervention, there was a significant correlation between mean blood glucose levels and mean HbA1c levels in the Intervention group and their level of happiness (p value<0.01 and p value<0.001). Conclusion The findings revealed that the mindfulness-based educational intervention can increase happiness in people with diabetes and regulate their blood glucose.