THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND FACTORS AFFECTING DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SOUTH INDIA :- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that has become a global health concern due to its seismic effect on individual health and substantial socioeconomic status affecting the families as well. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common chronic metabolic disease in our country, primarily characterised by hyperglycaemia due to insulin resistance along with macrovascular and microvascular complications that affect various organ systems, including cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and ocular system. Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication in patients with T2DM, classified as a microvascular complication and the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Depression is the most common psychiatric illness worldwide, and its prevalence is twice as high in patients with diabetes and is seen with  persistent low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, reduced appetite, poor concentration, and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation. Depression in diabetic patients contributes to worse glycaemic control, increased inflammation, higher oxidative stress, and poorer disease management, all of which accelerate the progression of Diabetic Nephropathy .This study aims to find out the prevalence of depression using scales such as PHQ-9 and assessing depression across various stages of diabetic nephropathy and correlating its different parameters associated with the severity of diabetic nephropathy in an indian setting.