Glycemic Control and Depression Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kiambu County

• Author(s): Dorcas Muia ; Joseph Thigiti ; Osborn Tembu
• Paper ID: 1709774
• Page: 1123-1133
• Published Date: 28-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 1 July-2025

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has been described as one of the 21st century global health emergencies. DM is among the four non communicable diseases causing 4M deaths annually (WHO, 2017). Glycemic control is measured by use of HbA1c. HbA1c measures glycemic control over the last eight to twelve weeks (WHO 2011). Good glycemic control has been shown to reduce both macro-vascular and micro-vascular complications. Depression is a mental illness characterized by feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It has an impact on how one feels, thinks and acts. It may affect one’s day to day activities and quality of life. As per the DSM-5, depression is attributed by one or two of: -diminished or irritable mood or reduced pleasure or interest plus 4 of: loss of energy or fatigue, guilt or feeling of worthlessness, problems concentrating, suicidal ideations, five percent weight gain or loss, change in activity, lack of or increased sleep. These symptoms should have lasted for at least two weeks. Depression can be either mild, moderate or severe. Chronic medical conditions are a risk factor for development of depression. There is bidirectional association between DM and depression. Depression may lead to complications of excessive weight-gain and obesity which are risk factors for T2DM. The study helped in establishing the relationship between glycemic control and depression for optimum patient care Study Objective: To determine the relationship between glycemic control and development of depression among type 2 diabetes patients in Kiambu county. Methodology: Multistage sampling method was used to select 1 level 5 facility and 4 level 4 facilities. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 384 participants for this study. The participants signed an informed consent before participating in the study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 380 patients participated in the study. Majority were elderly >60 years. Being widowed (52.8%) or divorced (55.9%) led to higher HbA1c and depression. Having a tertiary education level was associated with higher HbA1c level. Being unemployed, smoking, alcohol intake and obesity were all linked to higher HbA1c level and depression. Respondents who were on both OHAS and insulin and were non-compliant were more likely to have higher HbA1c levels and depression. Participants who had DM-related complications were more likely to have higher HbA1c level and depression. Age >60 years, being female, presence of another chronic illness and family history of mental illness were all linked to depression. Participants who had HbA1c >7% were significantly linked to higher chances of depression in this study. Conclusion: From the study, 55.3% had good glycemic control (HbA1c level <7%) while 44.7% had poor glycemic control (HbA1c >7%). The proportion of T2DM patients who had depression were 13% with majority having mild depression (11%). Moderate depression was present in 1% and severe depression was present in 1% of study population. Participants who had HbA1c >7% were significantly linked to higher chances of depression in this study.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Dorcas Muia , Joseph Thigiti , Osborn Tembu "Glycemic Control and Depression Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kiambu County" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 1123-1133

IEEE:
Dorcas Muia , Joseph Thigiti , Osborn Tembu "Glycemic Control and Depression Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Kiambu County" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)