Addressing the Needs of People with Diabetes and Depression in Rural Appalachia

Diabetes in Rural Appalachia

The number of people in rural Appalachia who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is growing every day. People in the region also experience greater burdens of poverty, low income and unemployment compared to others outside the region. Poverty and the stress it causes along with unhealthy lifestyles have been shown to raise the risk of obesity and diabetes. People in rural Appalachia with diabetes also have a higher rate of heart disease and stroke.

Exercise and Talk Therapy Combined

Program ACTIVE (Appalachians Coming Together to Increase Vital Exercise) is a study to test depression treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. During the study participants made exercise a part of their everyday lives over a 12-week period. Exercise sessions encouraged safe ways to be active and improve fitness.

Participants also took part in 10 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or “talk therapy” with a therapist from the Program ACTIVE staff. During therapy sessions each participant and therapist worked together on ways to better manage depression.

Study Results Show Increase in Quality of Life

Our study has led to positive results for Program ACTIVE participants. We know from past studies that exercise can help depression as much as anti-depressant medications and that talk therapy helps people better manage their mood. We found that participants who completed both the talk therapy and exercise treatments together had their overall blood sugar levels drop to a healthier level. Participants felt an overall improvement in their quality of life and better support from family and friends as a result of being in the study.