Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in blood sugar levels and anxiety levels by using EFT techniques with breathing exercises in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), who have unregulated blood sugar levels despite treatment.

Method: A semi-experimental study without a control group was performed in a state hospital in Istanbul. The sample group consisted of 30 patients who had Type 2 DM, signed the informed consent forms, and completed 5 sessions of EFT and breathing exercises (one session per week). Data were collected with an introductory information form, Beck Anxiety Scale and blood glucose monitoring chart.

Results: According to the findings obtained from the analysis, all of the patients were female (100%), over 50 years old (60%), married (90%), had children (92.3%), primary school graduates (56.6%) and housewives (70%). It was determined that the majority of the participants did not exercise (70%) or diet (83.3%). The mean preprocedural anxiety test scores (35.30±11.39) were at an extreme level while the mean measurements (7.90±7.31) after five weeks of treatment were at a mild level. Although the mean values of blood glucose decreased at all measurements, the differences between the measurements were statistically significant (F: 20.433; p <0.001).

Conclusion: It was determined that, using EFT techniques with breathing exercises favourably influence both anxiety levels and blood glucose averages of patients with Type 2 DM and unregulated blood glucose.