Work

Prevalence and determinants of diabetes-related psychological distress in a tertiary care setting in Tamil Nadu, India: cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Diabetes distress, whereby people with diabetes experience distressing psychological symptoms associated with living with their condition, is an emerging problem in India. Diabetes distress leads to self-care deficits, suboptimal glycaemic control (which can lead to increasing risks of complications) and impaired quality of life. Aims To determine the burden of diabetes distress and its associated factors in an Indian tertiary care centre in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India, covering a population of 1.25 million. Method This prospective observational study involved a structured questionnaire covering demographic and clinical details, which was given to patients. The Diabetes Distress Scale 17 (DDS-17) was used to assess diabetes distress levels. The DDS-17 also measures four subdomains: emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress and diabetes-related interpersonal distress. Patients were divided into two groups based on their DDS-17 score: no diabetes distress (DDS-17 score <2) versus diabetes distress (DDS-17 score ≥2) and compared. Correlation analysis, chi-squared tests and t -tests were used, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Of 1019 respondents (mean age 56 years; 59.6% male, 40.4% female), diabetes distress was reported in 24.4% ( n = 249). Factors significantly associated with higher DDS-17 scores were younger age (<45 years) ( P < 0.0001), long-standing diabetes (>10 years) ( P < 0.0001), and smoking and alcohol ( P < 0.05). Significant protective factors for diabetes distress included working, daily exercise, no comorbidities and medical insurance cover ( P < 0.05). Significant positive correlation between DDS-17 score and all four subdomains was observed ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and holistic management strategies in diabetes care, to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Source: BJPsych Open

DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2026.11020