Results Seven RCTs included for review reported effects on depression outcomes in 1895 participants, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level in 1556 participants. Collaborative care significantly improved the depression score (standardised mean difference was −0.32 (95% CI −0.53 to −0.11); I2=79%) and HbA1c level (weighted mean difference was −0.33% (95% CI −0.66% to −0.00%); I2=72.9%) compared with control conditions. Depression remission did not predict better glycaemic control across studies.
Conclusions Limited evidence from short-to-medium term RCTs predominantly conducted in the USA suggests that collaborative care for depression significantly improves both depression and glycaemia outcomes, independently, in people with comorbid depression and diabetes.