Depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Prevalence, characteristics, associated factors, and treatment outcomes

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that sertraline has a positive impact on improving depression; however, data on the prevalence and treatment outcomes of sertraline among patients with comorbid Type 2 diabetes mellitus and depression remain limited.

Objectives

Determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression, and evaluate the treatment outcomes of sertraline intervention at two dosage levels (50 mg per day and 100 mg per day) in patients with comorbid depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Vietnam.

Materials and methods

The study included type 2 diabetes mellitus patients receiving outpatient treatment at Bac Lieu General Hospital from March 2023 to March 2024. Following the assessment of depression prevalence and associated factors, a randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: odd-numbered patients received treatment with 50 mg/day sertraline dosage, while even-numbered patients received treatment with 100 mg/day sertraline dosage. The criteria for success included improvement in symptoms and severity of depression after 6 months of treatment.

Results

A total of 225 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with a mean age of 63.8 ± 10.7 years were included, among whom 72 were diagnosed with depression, accounting for a prevalence rate of 32 %. Among these patients, 51 were female (70.8 %) and 21 were male (29.2 %). Female gender, overweight, obesity, diabetes duration over 36 months, and a history of cardiovascular disease were found to be associated with depression. However, in the multivariate model, only overweight, obesity, HbA1c ≥ 6.5 %, and a history of cardiovascular disease were identified as independent factors contributing to depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, with odds ratios of 4.12 (95 % CI: 1.78–9.56; p = 0.001), 0.37 (95 % CI: 0.15–0.95; p = 0.038) and 25.90 (95 % CI: 9.05–74.12; p < 0.001), respectively. Following 6 months of treatment, in the 50 mg/day dosage group, the proportion of patients with moderate to severe depression decreased from 77.8 % to 33.3 % (p < 0.001). Similarly, in the 100 mg/day dosage group, the proportion of patients with moderate to severe depression decreased from 94.4 % to 52.8 % (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Depression accounts for approximately one-third of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases. Overweight, obesity, HbA1c levels, and cardiovascular disease are independent factors associated with depression. Intervention with sertraline for depression treatment at both 50 mg/day and 100 mg/day dosages demonstrates significant improvements in depression severity after 6 months of treatment.