SAT-580 A Randomized Control Trial from Southern India Evaluating a Novel Cognitive Intervention in Reducing Fear of Hypoglycemia in Patients with Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: A. Pandey: None. B. Tejerao: None. A. Ahmed: None. P. Kv: None. B. R: None. I. Dhanabalan: None. R. Dasgupta: None. S. C: None. Background: Fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) constitutes a significant concern among individuals with brittle diabetes, including those diagnosed with Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes (FCPD). FOH may result in behaviors that exacerbate hyperglycemia, such as the reduction of insulin dosages, increased carbohydrate consumption, and avoidance of physical activities. Psychological interventions, such as Eye Movement desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), potentially offer improvements in glycemic control and quality of life through alleviation of FOH. EMDR is conventionally utilised in the treatment of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders through the processing of disturbed memories. At present, there exists a paucity of trials investigating the effects of EMDR on FOH in patients with FCPD. Methodology: This prospective randomized control trial involved FCPD patients with FOH at a tertiary care center in South India over a six-month period. The participants were allocated to the control (n=26) and intervention (n=30) groups. The intervention group received EMDR in addition to standard care, whereas the control group received only standard care. FOH was assessed using The Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-Version II Worry scale at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The EMDR intervention comprised two 45-minute individual sessions using standardized eight-step protocols. The data were analysed and compared at one, three and six months. Results: At baseline, the intervention group mean age was 32.9 ± 8.2 years, and the control group was 34.1 ± 9.1 years (p>0.05). Both groups exhibited comparable characteristics in terms of body mass index (BMI), gender, and diabetes duration (p>0.05). The intervention group demonstrated a 14-point reduction in FOH at one-month post-EMDR and a 16-point reduction at three months. These reductions remained stable at six months and were significantly more pronounced than those observed in the control group (p<0.01). Furthermore, hypoglycemic episodes, glycemic control, and HbA1c levels were significantly improved in the intervention group at six months (all p<0.01). Conclusion: EMDR is a cost-effective, readily implementable outpatient technique with long-term efficacy for managing FOH in FCPD patients, addressing a previously neglected yet clinically significant issue. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025