Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Case Series

Objective: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have risk for elevated negative affect, and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) may be effective interventions. The aim of this case series was to (1) highlight individual changes in negative affect (depression, anxiety, and stress), mindfulness, and diabetes outcomes (diabetes distress, diabetes self-management, and HbA1c) after participating in an MBI and (2) highlight the utility of MBI in historically marginalized populations. Methods: Cases were chosen from a sample of adolescents with T1D and elevated negative affect who took part in a pilot randomized controlled trial of an MBI. Individuals were selected due to adherence to study protocol, similar baseline scores on target outcomes, and demographic similarities that indicate historical marginalization. The participants were two 12–14-year-old girls with T1D, one identifying as Black/African American, “Jayla,” and one identifying as biracial Latinx/Hispanic, “Valerie” who participated in a 6–7 session virtual group MBI. Participants completed surveys at baseline, post-intervention, and three months post-intervention. Results: Jayla and Valerie demonstrated improvements in multiple domains including depression, anxiety, stress, mindfulness, diabetes distress, and diabetes self-management. We observed small improvements in HbA1c and disordered eating in Valerie, but not in Jayla. Conclusions: This case series demonstrates the potential utility of MBI in adolescents with T1D and negative affect, particularly those experiencing increased burden of SDOH.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study presents case examples of adolescents with T1D from historically marginalized backgrounds who participated in a mindfulness-based intervention. Both participants improved in depression, anxiety, stress, diabetes distress, and diabetes self-management. Mindfulness may be a useful intervention in this population.