Abstract
Background
Presence of depression in young adults with type 2 diabetes has a negative impact on diabetes self care and adherence to medications leading to impaired glycemic control.Hence timely detection and effective treatment of depression among young adults is increasingly recognized as an essential component of high quality clinical care.
Objectives
This research aims to determine the prevalence of depression in young adults with type 2 diabetes in a cohort of patients attending a tertiary care setting and to describe the effects of depression on their glycemic control and other parameters.
Research design and Methods
A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at diabetes clinic of Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka where 140 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged between 18 to 35 years were enrolled as study subjects. Self administered, validated questionnaires, Patient health questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9) and Short Form 36 Health survey questionnaire (SF-36) were used to assess the depression and quality of life respectively.
Results
Estimated prevalence of depression was 55.2% in study population ; majority 37.7% had mild depression whereas 14.2% were diagnosed with moderate depression. However only 4.7% had severe depression.Glycemic control among depressed young adults was significantly impaired ( P value 0.03, mean fasting blood sugar/FBS of 155mg/dl in the depressed compared to mean FBS of 131mg/dl in non-depressed. Despite higher mean post prandial blood sugar/PPBS ( 183 mg/dl Vs.164mg/dl) and Glycated hemoglobin/HbA1c (8.5% Vs. 7.4% ) values observed in depressed young adults, these were not statistically significant.There were no significant between-group difference in mean values of systolic blood pressure(122mmHg Vs. 124 mmHg) and body mass index(26.2 vs. 25.1).
Conclusion
Depression in young adults with diabetes is an important comorbidity which requires early diagnosis and careful management in order to achieve optimum glycemic control.