ABSTRACT

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the association between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance, cortisol, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃) in patients with diabetes.
Methods A total of 84 diabetic patients admitted between January 2023 and August 2025 were enrolled. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale and patients were categorized into a depression group and a non-depression group. Clinical data, insulin resistance, and serum cortisol and 25(OH)D₃ levels were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors influencing depressive symptoms.
Results Among the 84 patients, 23 exhibited depressive symptoms. There were no significant differences in age or sex between the two groups (P > 0.05). Disease duration, glycated hemoglobin, presence of diabetic complications, insulin resistance index, and cortisol levels were significantly higher in the depression group, whereas 25(OH)D₃ levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Diabetic complications, insulin resistance, and cortisol were identified as risk factors for depressive symptoms, while 25(OH)D₃ served as a protective factor (P < 0.05).
Conclusion   Depressive symptoms are common among diabetic patients and may be associated with increased insulin resistance and elevated cortisol levels, as well as reduced 25(OH)D₃.

Key words: Key words Diabetes; Depressive Symptoms; Insulin Resistance; Cortisol; 25-Hydroxyvitamin D