The association of diabetes duration and glycemic control with depression in elderly men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasing in the elderly and are reportedly related to each other. We evaluated the relationship between T2DM‑related factors and the degree of depression in elderly patients with T2DM based on gender. A total of 155 patients with T2DM (56 males and 99 females aged ≥ 65 years) from seven hospitals were included in the study. To assess the status of depressive symptoms, the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale‑Korean version (SGDS‑K) was used. We evaluated DM‑related factors, such as T2DM duration, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and T2DM complications, as well as other possible factors that could affect depression, such as cognitive function, physical function, education level, and other personal factors. Mean age of the participants was 71.3 years with a mean HbA1c level of 7.6%. Males in the good glycemic control group (HbA1c <7%) showed lower SGDS‑K scores compared to those in the poor glycemic control group, and the mean SGDS‑K score was higher in the group with a longer duration of DM (M10 years); however, no difference was observed in females. Males and females with microvascular and macrovascular complications tended to have higher SGDS‑K scores than participants with no microvascular or macrovascular complications. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that DM duration and HbA1c level were independently associated with SGDS‑K scores in males. Greater depression was associated with poorer glycemic control and a longer duration of DM in elderly males with T2DM.