Factors related to depressive symptoms in older adult patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: The association of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) with depressive symptoms may affect the quality of life of older adults and increase their risk of morbidity and deterioration in functional activities. This study aimed to investigate the variables related to depressive symptoms in older adult patients with DM2.

Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study included 102 older adult patients with DM2, treated in northeastern Brazil. We evaluated demographic, clinical, and functional variables [Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, a scale to assess performance (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule), and psycho-cognitive variables (using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)).

Results: There was a significant correlation between the GDS and body mass index (p = 0.04, ρ = 0.20) and intensity of pain (p = 0.09, ρ = 0.26); and scores on the MMSE (p = 0.01, ρ = -0.25); WHODAS (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.61); TUG test (p = 0.016, ρ = 0.25), and TUG dual task (p = 0.029, ρ = 0.23).

Conclusion: Depressive symptoms in older adult patients with DM2 were associated with being female, being single, being illiterate, having poor overall health, using a walking aid, having higher body mass index, having a greater intensity of dizziness, exhibiting functional impairment, and having gait and cognition deficits.