Healthy Living

A Newer Perspective on Diabetes and Depression

Environmental factors

There is growing evidence that low birth weight or poor intrauterine environment may also be associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes in adult life. Intrauterine programming may also have to do with the altered functioning of the HPA axis, less tolerance to stress conditions, and a higher risk of developing mood disorders in adult life.

Other factors like poor nutrition, living in a deprived neighborhood, lack of open spaces, obesity, and hypertension, may also contribute to diabetes and depression.

Coexistence of diabetes in depression is a common phenomenon, and yes it is poorly understood, and underdiagnosed. Presence of depression has a direct effect on diabetes care and management. The person even with a mild form of depression is less likely to make lifestyle changes and stick to medications. Unfortunately, in most cases, medical specialists are not trained to identify and manage depression associated with diabetes. Thus, it is crucial to develop a better understanding of the subject, for achieving an optimal level of blood sugar in people with diabetes.

References

  1. Mezuk B, Eaton WW, Albrecht S, Golden SH. Depression and Type 2 Diabetes Over the Lifespan. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(12):2383-2390. doi:10.2337/dc08-0985.
  2. Andreoulakis E, Hyphantis T, Kandylis D, Iacovides A. Depression in diabetes mellitus: a comprehensive review. Hippokratia. 2012;16(3):205-214.
  3. Campayo A, H Gómez-Biel C, Lobo A. Diabetes and Depression. Vol 13.; 2010. doi:10.1007/s11920-010-0165-z.
  4. Holt RIG, de Groot M, Golden SH. Diabetes and Depression. Curr Diab Rep. 2014;14(6):491. doi:10.1007/s11892-014-0491-3.
  5. Diabetes and depression: Coping with the two conditions. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/diabetes-and-depression/faq-20057904. Accessed November 15, 2017.
  6. Diabetes and Depression - The Vicious Cycle & How to Treat Depression. http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-depression.html. Accessed November 15, 2017.
  7. Study identifies new biomarker for depression in diabetes. News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20171016/Study-identifies-new-biomarker-for-depression-in-diabetes.aspx. Published October 16, 2017. Accessed November 15, 2017.