Aims

To examine the average point prevalence of major depressive disorder in people with Type 2 diabetes and its associated factors in a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Methods

Two researchers independently conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane databases. Studies reporting the prevalence of major depressive disorder in people with Type 2 diabetes were identified and analysed using a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 26 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The point prevalence of major depressive disorder was 14.5% (95% CI 7.9–25.3; I²=99.65). People with Type 2 diabetes were more likely to have major depressive disorder compared with the general population (odds ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.38–2.16). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that study site, study type, diagnostic criteria and age significantly moderated the prevalence of major depressive disorder.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, the average point prevalence of major depressive disorder in people with Type 2 diabetes was high. Routine screening and more effective interventions should be implemented for this population.