Freedom from Diabetes Research Foundation Study Highlights Psychological Burden Among Indian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Pune : A study conducted by the Freedom from Diabetes Research Foundation, Pune, has highlighted psychological burden among Indian adults living with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The study, authored by Mrs. Baby Sharma, Dr. Pramod Tripathi, Dr. Nidhi Kadam, Dr. Diptika Tiwari, Mrs. Anagha Vyawahare, Dr. Thejas Kathrikolly, Dr. Malhar Ganla and Dr. Banshi Saboo was conducted over a one-year period from December 2023 to December 2024, involving 1,925 adults with T2D from 236 cities across India, enrolled in an online diabetes management programme at the Freedom from Diabetes Clinic, Pune. The findings were published in BMJ Public Health on August 18, 2026.

The cross-sectional study examined diabetes distress, depression and anxiety using validated assessment tools. It found that 53.1% of participants experienced diabetes distress, 20.3% had depression and 17.3% experienced anxiety. The study also found considerable overlap among these conditions *— with 7.5% of participants affected by all three at once —* highlighting the interconnected nature of psychological challenges associated with diabetes.

Younger adults below 45 years, women, people with poor glycaemic control and those using insulin were among the groups associated with greater psychological burden. The researchers also identified an association between the absence of a previous history of depression and higher concurrent psychological burden *— an early observation the authors describe as hypothesis-generating and warranting further study.*

Dr Pramod Tripathi said, “Diabetes management cannot be limited to controlling blood sugar levels. This study highlights the importance of recognising the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany diabetes. Routine mental health screening can help identify concerns early and enable more holistic, patient-centred care.”

The researchers emphasised the importance of integrating routine and comprehensive mental health screening into diabetes care.

Link to the study- https://bmjpublichealth.bmj.com/content/4/3/e004824