Globally, more than 6% of the population, totaling around 462 million individuals, grapples with type 2 diabetes, ranking it as the ninth leading cause of death.
Mental health complications are widespread among individuals with type 2 diabetes, with studies suggesting that those with this condition are twice as prone to depression compared to their non-diabetic counterpart.
Furthermore, a recent study underscores that individuals dealing with both type 2 diabetes and depression confront a risk of premature death four times higher than those without either condition.
Concerning the participants’ diabetes status, researchers posed the question: “Except during pregnancy, have you ever received confirmation from a doctor or another health professional indicating that you have diabetes or sugar diabetes?” A response of “yes” or “borderline” was recorded by the researchers as an indication of diabetes.
“The American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care recommend routine depression screening, given its prevalence among individuals with diabetes. Depression not only serves as a predictor of unfavorable outcomes but, alarmingly, also heightens the risk of mortality.”
“As effective treatments for depression are available, it is crucial to integrate routine screening, which can be as simple as utilizing the PHQ-2 questionnaire to inquire about the frequency of depressed mood. Subsequently, efforts can be focused on implementing appropriate treatments.”
Inflammation, sleep disruption, sedentary behavior, unhealthy dietary patterns, and various environmental and cultural risk factors can collectively contribute to the development of both diabetes and depression.
Several factors may shed light on the connection between type 2 diabetes and depression. Individuals experiencing depression often demonstrate reduced adherence to healthy lifestyles, leading to compromised glucose control and an increased risk of diabetes-related complications.
“Furthermore, a biological correlation between depression and type 2 diabetes exists, although it remains not entirely comprehensible but potentially influential.”
“While receiving treatment for either of the two conditions is preferable to no care, optimal management of both disorders and the prevention of exacerbation involve a combination of antidepressants and hypoglycemic drugs.
To achieve this, consistent monitoring and screening are crucial, and healthcare practitioners specializing in diabetes care must remain vigilant regarding mental health issues among their patients.”