The Relationship between Depression and Diabetes Control in Patients with Diabetes in Sulaymaniyah province

Abstract

Depression is one of the most prevalent psychological conditions among diabetic patients and can have a direct impact on disease management and quality of life. This study investigates the relationship between depression and with type (2) diabetes control, diabetes attending a diabetes and endocrinology center in Sulaimani city. Using a descriptive-analytical design, the study was conducted on a sample of 118 patients. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression severity, alongside demographic data and HbA1c measurements.

Results show that (66.9%) of participants exhibited depressive symptoms of varying degrees. The study confirms that depression is a significant factor in diabetes management and that a positive, direct association exists between depression and diabetes control. It is therefore essential that psychological screening be integrated into the treatment plans of diabetic patients, particularly within their sociocultural and healthcare context. Despite the increasing incidence of diabetes, psychological aspects and depression are still not given enough attention in the treatment plan. The focus is often solely on the control of blood sugar levels (HbA1c)and physical symptoms, whereas depression can directly affect medication adherence, dietary regimen, and physical activity

In the Kurdistan Region, research on the mental health of diabetic patients and limited psychological services has received less attention, which can lead to the onset of depression or early treatment of depression

The main problem with this study is that there is still a lack of measurable information on the level of depression and its impact on diabetes management among patients in Sulaimani, and psychosocial factors such as gender, age, have not been fully studied scientifically.

Therefore, this study attempts to fill this scientific gap and explain how depression can be an important part of diabetes control.