RESUMEN
Diabetes mellitus is one of the common chronic illnesses which endanger mental health. The present study was planned to assess the relationship between mental health of diabetic patients and their coping strategies. In this cross-sectional study 193 patients who were referred to diabetes clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital were selected by available sampling method in Ardabil city [north western part of Iran] in 2006. Samples were assessed by General Health Questionnaire-28 and Folkman-Lazarus questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 13 software, using logistic regression analysis and independent t tests. Fifty four percents of diabetic patients were suspected to have a mental disorder and need more diagnostic assessments. Escape-avoidance [P<0.001], confronting [P<0.01] and plan-full problem solving coping strategies [P<0.01] could predict the mental health in diabetic patients. Inappropriate and emotion-based coping strategies throw patients in vicious cycle of medical and mental illnesses; for example, escape-avoidance method could predict the mental health in diabetic patients