Background: Both diabetes and depression are diseases which have a chronic course and when occur together can have a devastating effect on the patient’s health. This dual relationship can lead to lack of interest in doing any work and decreased self care can make them more prone for decreased control of blood sugar. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among rural population suffering from type 2 diabetes and the association of demographic details, Hba1c with depression.
Subject and Methods: It was a prospective study in which all the patients with type 2 diabetes at Bhaskar Medical College and General Hospital, Moinabad, AP, India were included during the period of January to July 2013. A detailed interview including their demographic details was taken and the presence of depressive symptoms was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory.
Results: Majority of the study sample were in the age group of 41-50 years females recently diagnosed (<6 months), have Hba1c levels between 6.1-8%. When all the individuals were evaluated for depression using Becks Depression Inventory, most of them (46%) were found to be suffering from mild mood disturbance. Depression was more common in the age group of 41-60 years, females. Patients with increased Hba1c had more severe depressive symptoms.
Conclusion: The risk of having depression along with type 2 diabetes was found to be significant in the studied population. We suggest that all the individuals suffering with type 2 diabetes must undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation.