AimThis study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among diabetic patients in a cross-sectional sample and perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the extant studies to date.MethodsA face-to-face semi-structured interview of established diabetic patients was conducted in four districts of Bangladesh between May 24 to June 24, 2022, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–2) was used to detect depression. PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, with Bangladeshi articles published until 3rd February 2023.ResultsThe prevalence of depression among 390 diabetic patients was 25.9%. Having secondary education and using both insulin and medication increased the likelihood of depression, whereas being a business professional and being physically active reduced the likelihood of depression. The systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that the pooled estimated prevalence of depression was 42% (95% CI 32–52%). Females had a 1.12-times higher risk of depression than males (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.25,p< 0.001).ConclusionsTwo-fifths of diabetic patients were depressed, with females at higher risk. Since depression among diabetic patients increases adverse outcomes, improved awareness and screening methods should be implemented to detect and treat depression in diabetic patients.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12888-023-04845-2.