Last updated July 11, 2026
Key finding
The intervention group experienced a significant reduction in HbA1c compared to the control group (mean difference [MD], -0.51%; 95% confidence interval [CI], [-0.97 to -0.04]; P = 0.035).
This study evaluated the impact of a self-compassion intervention on diabetes distress and glycemic control in adolescents and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, finding significant improvement in HbA1c levels.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the impact of a self-compassion intervention on diabetes distress and glycemic control in adolescents and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, finding significant improvement in HbA1c levels.
This research highlights the potential for behavioral interventions like self-compassion to improve glycemic control in young individuals with Type 1 diabetes. While the intervention did not alleviate diabetes distress, the reduction in HbA1c suggests that fostering self-compassion may be a valuable component of diabetes management strategies.
The study did not show changes in diabetes distress or other psychological outcomes. The sample size and demographic characteristics may limit generalizability. The intervention's long-term effects were not assessed.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Ratanaporn J, Benjamin W, Chorthip NP, et al. Effects of a Self-Compassion Intervention on Diabetes Distress and Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes. Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2025;30(4):190-200. doi:10.6065/apem.2448224.112
The intervention group showed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (MD, -0.51%; P = 0.035).
Diabetes distress did not significantly differ between groups (P = 0.876).
The frequency of self-monitored blood glucose decreased significantly (P = 0.002).
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care and Blood glucose, Depression score, Diabetes distress scores, and 5 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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8
Evidence pairs
1793
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Blood glucose
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Blood glucose
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Depression score
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Depression score
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Diabetes distress scores
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Diabetes distress scores
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Diabetes management self-efficacy
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Diabetes management self-efficacy
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → HbA1c
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → HbA1c
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Self-compassion scores
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Self-compassion scores
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Sleep quality
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Sleep quality
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Stress
Instructional WhatsApp group for diabetes self-care → Stress
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs and HbA1c, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs and Mental Health.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Behavioral & Lifestyle
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs
Contributes to Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs evidence base.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Mental Health
Measures Mental Health as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Quality of Life Outcomes
Measures Quality of Life Outcomes as a key outcome.
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Published within the last 2 years.
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5 results
3 results
5 results
5 results
3 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs may improve Fasting Glucose.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Blood glucose
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 82.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 41 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs appears to improve Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Diabetes management self-efficacy
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 19 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Programs may improve Quality of Life Outcomes.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Sleep quality
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 13 supporting studies with generally consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
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