The relationship between sitting time and depressive symptoms may be influenced by contextual factors, including the sitting domain, type, and cognitive activity. Research on these dynamics among people with abnormal glucose metabolism (AGM) is limited. We examined associations between contextual sitting time and depressive symptoms in adults with and without AGM (IFG, IGT, T2D). Data were obtained from the AusDiab (2011-12), involving 4,614 adults. Associations between total and context-specific sitting time (work, transport, leisure-time computer use, and TV viewing) and depressive symptoms measured by the CESD-10 scale were assessed. Among 3,834 participants (59.3 years; 55.8 % women), 926 (24.2 %) had AGM, with 120 (13.0 %) reporting depressive symptoms. Increased sitting time at work (OR 0.65, p < 0.05) and transport (OR 0.76, p < 0.05) were inversely associated with depressive symptoms, while extended TV viewing (OR 1.46, p < 0.01) correlated positively. An interaction showed that those with AGM who engaged in leisure-time computer use for ≥ 0.9 h/day had lower odds of depressive symptoms compared to those sitting for 0-0.4 h/day (OR = 0.51, 95 % CI: 0.29-0.88, p < 0.05). Increased mentally passive sitting time is linked to depressive symptoms, particularly in those with AGM. Reducing passive sitting may aid in T2D prevention and management.