686-P: Prevalence and Determinants of Diabetes Distress in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in India—A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Research suggests a mutual relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mental health concerns. It is estimated that one in ten individuals with T2D experience severe distress.

Aim: To examine the prevalence and determinants of diabetes distress in T2D patients in India.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients enrolled in a one-year online diabetes management program conducted at the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic in Pune, India, between June 2023 and November 2023. Data on the medical history, anthropometry, and biochemical parameters were collected. The combined type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS) was used to assess diabetes distress. Regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of diabetes distress.

Results: This cross-sectional study included 144 patients with T2D (14 pre-diabetes) (49.3% female). The mean age, duration of diabetes, and HbA1c were 50.9±10.8 years, 8.1±7.1 years, and 8.3±1.9%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes distress (score => 2) was 62.5%. Of the patients with diabetes distress, 72.2% reported multiple elevated sources, with long-term health (70.1%) and management demands (70.8%) being the top two sources. Regression analysis revealed that a longer duration of diabetes (>5 years), a family history of diabetes, and comorbid hypertension were predictors of diabetes distress.

Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of diabetes distress at 62.5%, with factors like longer diabetes duration, family history, and hypertension as predictors. Targeted interventions addressing psychological well-being in T2D patients, especially those with specific risk factors, are needed to improve health outcomes and manage diabetes-related distress.

Keywords: Diabetes Distress; Type 2 Diabetes; Mental health; India; cross-sectional study