Background: Depression is a significant concern among individuals with Type 2 diabetes, impacting both their mental well-being and disease management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression and assess medication adherence in a sample of Type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center, involving 200 Type 2 diabetic patients aged 25-55 years. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depression severity, and medication adherence was self-reported. Demographic information and diabetes-related characteristics were collected. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.

Results: The prevalence of depression in the study sample was high, with approximately 45.5% of patients exhibiting some degree of depression. The severity of depression varied, with 10.5% experiencing borderline clinical depression, 13% experiencing moderate depression, and 5% experiencing severe depression. Medication adherence decreased significantly with increasing depression severity, ranging from 90% adherence in patients with normal BDI scores to 20% in those with severe depression. There was a significant association between the duration of diabetes and depression severity, indicating a potential cumulative effect over time. Gender differences in medication adherence were observed but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of depression among individuals with Type 2 diabetes and its impact on medication adherence. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care that integrates mental health screening and psychosocial support into diabetes management. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance medication adherence and mental health support for this vulnerable population. Future research should focus on developing and evaluating such interventions to improve outcomes for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.