Anxiety Worsens Diabetes Control
Anxiety often occurs alongside type 2 diabetes and negatively impacts blood sugar management as well as overall patient health outcomes significantly. Comprehensive national data on its prevalence among Indian T2DM adults has been lacking until now. This systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders provides pooled estimates to guide clinical practice effectively.
Thorough Search Uncovers 24 Studies
Investigators conducted systematic searches across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE for studies published up to January 31, 2025. They included only observational studies performed in India that reported anxiety prevalence using validated diagnostic tools. Risk of bias received evaluation through the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool. Random-effects meta-analysis calculated the overall pooled prevalence rates accurately
Pooled Rates Reveal Heavy Burden
The analysis incorporated data from 24 studies encompassing a total of 7,067 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pooled prevalence of any anxiety disorder came in at 30% with a 95% confidence interval of 22% to 38%, accompanied by substantial heterogeneity measured at I² = 99.14%. Prevalence of severe anxiety specifically registered at 7% with a 95% confidence interval from 3% to 11%.
Subgroups Highlight Screening Tools
Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence estimates in studies that employed screening instruments such as the GAD-7 and DASS-21 questionnaires. Meta-regression pinpointed comorbid depression and hypertension as major sources contributing to the observed heterogeneity across studies. Publication bias became evident through funnel plots and Egger’s test particularly among investigations of severe anxiety cases.
Routine Screening Fits NCD Framework
Nearly one-third of Indian adults living with T2DM deal with anxiety, which calls for systematic screening and seamless integration of mental health support into routine diabetes management. Incorporating this into India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases stands to enhance both psychological well-being and metabolic control substantially.
Targeted Action Improves Dual Outcomes
Healthcare providers should prioritize anxiety assessment in T2DM clinics to address this common comorbidity and optimize patient care comprehensively.
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Key highlights
- Researchers synthesized data from 24 observational studies that together included 7,067 adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in India to derive pooled anxiety prevalence estimates.
- The overall pooled prevalence of anxiety disorders among these Indian T2DM patients reached 30% with a corresponding 95% confidence interval spanning 22% to 38%.
- Severe forms of anxiety affected an estimated 7% of the T2DM population in the included studies, accompanied by a 95% confidence interval from 3% to 11%.
- Studies utilizing screening tools like GAD-7 and DASS-21 consistently reported higher anxiety prevalence rates compared to other assessment methods employed.
- Meta-regression analysis identified comorbid depression and hypertension as the primary factors significantly contributing to the high level of heterogeneity observed across the analyzed studies.
Source
Thejas Achary, Debnath A, Halder P, et al. Burden of anxiety disorders among type 2 diabetes patients in india: A systematic review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders. 2026;25(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-025-01826-y
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Meta-analysis of 24 studies and 7,067 Indian T2DM patients finds pooled anxiety prevalence at 30% (95% CI 22-38%), severe cases 7%, urging routine mental health checks.
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