Innovative ways of treating comorbid diabetes type II and depression: the "MADE-IT" Program

Research has shown that people with Type II Diabetes are at increased risk of developing depression, and the combination of both disorders increases the likelihood of the development of diabetes related complications. Diabetes related complications often means increased need for medical interventions, increased hospitalizations and generally poorer health outcomes for patients. This research projects aims to evaluate interventions for depression in patients with Diabetes type II. Minimal intervention (self help resources and regular monitoring) single focused intervention (depression alone treatment) and integrated treatment (depression intervention and diabetes education) will be compared. Participants in the depression focussed or integrated treatments will attend small group sessions for 90 minutes each week over eight weeks. Outcomes (depressive symptoms, self care beahviours and HbA1c) will be measured post treatment, three and six months.