Aims: To examine the relationship between diabetes-related emotional distress (DED) and illness perceptions among Indian patients with Type II diabetes (T2D). Material and methods: 92 patients with T2D completed questionnaires on their demographic and medical details, DED and illness perceptions. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between demographic, medical and illness perceptions variables and DED. Results: Increased number of children, personal control and illness-related concern were associated with increased levels of DED. Conclusions: Additional support is needed for Indian patients with T2D who have more children, greater sense of personal control and higher levels of diabetes-related worry. © 2018