Study Finds Depression More Common in Type 1 Diabetes Than Type 2

Living with diabetes—whether Type 1 or Type 2—involves daily management, medical appointments, and lifestyle adjustments. These demands can take a psychological toll. Stress and depression are common among people with diabetes and can interfere with self-management tasks like checking blood sugar, taking medications, and making healthy food choices.

A new cross-sectional study from Kosovo set out to measure and compare levels of stress and depression in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes seen in primary care clinics.

Researchers recruited 297 patients with diabetes from eight primary care centers in Prishtina, Kosovo, between March and August 2025. They used two validated assessment tools: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to measure stress levels, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms.

The study also collected demographic information and clinical measurements including waist circumference and blood pressure from participants' medical records.

Patients with Type 1 diabetes were significantly younger than those with Type 2 diabetes, which is consistent with how these conditions typically develop. When researchers looked at stress levels, they did not find clear, consistent differences between the two groups, though the researchers noted that interpreting these findings requires caution.

Depression told a different story. The study found a statistically significant difference in depressive symptom severity between the two groups (p = 0.005), with people with Type 1 diabetes reporting higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those with Type 2 diabetes.

This research adds to growing evidence that psychological health and diabetes are closely connected. The finding that Type 1 diabetes may be associated with higher depression levels suggests that mental health support could be an important part of comprehensive diabetes care.

Primary care providers who see patients with Type 1 diabetes may benefit from screening for depression and other mental health concerns as part of routine care. If you live with Type 1 diabetes and are experiencing low mood, hopelessness, or difficulty managing your condition, speaking with your healthcare provider or a mental health professional can be helpful.

Source: Belitung nursing journal. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.