A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of a couples focused diabetes intervention in which a collaborative problem-solving approach to diabetes self-care was promoted. Couples (N = 44), in which one partner had Type 2 diabetes and was in poor blood glucose control were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a couples intervention, an individual intervention, or individual diabetes education. The intervention included goal-setting, dietary behavior change, and a focus on emotions. For those in the couples arm, this was done within the framework of promoting collaborative communication between the partners. All intervention contacts were over the telephone to increase reach. Results showed that both the individual and couples interventions yielded meaningful clinical improvements in medical outcomes. Diabetes education also resulted in improved blood glucose control. Despite the small number, mixed-model regression analyses found statistically significant treatment effects for total cholesterol. This pilot demonstrates the feasibility and potential efficacy of a telephone intervention for Type 2 diabetes patients and their partners. Information from implementing this pilot led to refinement and further development of the intervention, which is being assessed in a larger, more comprehensive trial.

This senior center-based lifestyle intervention was associated with a significant reduction in SBP and adherence to prescribed antihypertensive medications and diet in the intervention group. Participant retention and group attendance rates suggest that implementing a group-counseling intervention in senior centers is feasible.

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) studies report that marital/family support relates to glycemic control, adherence and quality-of-life. Yet, there are few reports of couples-focused interventions. Purpose To describe the challenges faced and lessons learned in the implementation of a theoretically-based, couples intervention. Methods 350 couples (one partner has T2DM in poor glycemic control) are randomized to a couples intervention, individual intervention, or enhanced usual care. All contacts are by telephone, to increase reach. Outcomes: medical (e.g. glycemic control), psychosocial (e.g. diabetes distress), and behavioral (e.g. regimen adherence). Challenges in recruitment, assessment and intervention with couples are described, with suggestions about how to address them. Results Findings concerning the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the couples intervention, its effect on partners, and possible mechanisms of demonstrated changes, are anticipated in 2013. Conclusions Interventionists need specific skills to work with couples to promote communal coping and increase the likelihood of an efficacious couples intervention.