IMPACT OF UNDIAGNOSE DEPRESSION ON THE CONTROL OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

SUMMARY

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus type is commonly affecting older adults and is a known cause of morbidity and mortality. Compliance to medications and treatments are the crucial aspects towards better diabetic control.

Case report: This case study is about a 66 year old elderly lady, with a background of Diabetes Mellitus for 13 years with co morbid hypertension and hyperlipidaemia for 12 years and also below knee amputation. Her main problems were uncontrolled diabetes due to poor compliance to medications and diet as a consequence of possible depression since last year when her left leg was amputated. On top of having poor diabetic control, patient is also experiencing language barrier. The depression has not only causing her poor compliance but also fluctuation in her glycaemic control.

Conclusion: This case has shown the importance of communication barrier issue on the control of illness such as diabetes mellitus. As a consequence of communication barrier, the case being studied did not comply with diabetic medications and diet and was also unable to express her distress. The management of her current poorly controlled diabetes could have been improved if she had better understanding on the underlying illness, received proper health education, supportive treatment and also psychological assessment, proper diagnosis and rehabilitation for her underlying depression.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Depression, Amputation, Poor Compliance, Poor diet control