Objective To analyze the effects of structured mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on glycemic control and quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by anxiety in the community.

Methods A randomized controlled trial design was employed, 102 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by anxiety in the hospital from January to December 2023 were randomly divided into intervention group (n=51) and control group (n=51). The control group received routine diabetes health education and management, while the intervention group received an 8-week structured mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention on the basis of the control group. The intervention content was designed following a modular and standardized process to ensure its operability and replicability. Blood glucose indicators fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2 hPG), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score, the Quality of Life Scale for Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DMQLS) score, and self-management ability were evaluated in both groups before and after the intervention.

Results After the intervention, the levels of FPG, HbA1c and 2 hPG in the intervention group were (7.05±1.13), (6.52±0.67) and (9.48±1.76) mmol/L respectively, which were lower than (8.42±1.48), (7.56±0.85) and (11.86±2.14) mmol/L respectively in the control group; the SAS score in the intervention group was (42.37±5.28) points, which was lower than (50.84±5.96) points in the control group; the total score and scores for each dimension (physical function, psychological function, and social function) of the quality of life in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group; the total score and scores for each dimension (dietary management, exercise management, medication management, blood glucose monitoring, and psychological adjustment) of self-management ability in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group; the above inter-group differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusion Structured mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention can effectively improve glycemic control, relieve anxiety level, and enhance quality of life and self-management ability in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by anxiety.