Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of depression among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a tertiary care hospital of Karachi and an analysis of influencing factors.
Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi from December 19, 2013 to June 19, 2014. After consent, patients greater than 18 years of age of either gender diagnosed with type II Diabetes Mellitus were evaluated for depression by using Hamilton rating scale in an interview. Blood samples were drawn for glycosylated hemoglobin to measure glycemic control. Data regarding duration of diabetes, educational level and socioeconomic status was recorded and analyzed on SPSS version 20.
Results Frequency of depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was observed to be 54.78% (195/356)
Conclusion. Depression is common in type II Diabetes Mellitus patients. These patients should be screened comprehensively for depressive symptoms, which could be the underlying factor for poor glycemic control and non-compliance to self-care activities.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, depression, glycemic control