Depression can increase diabetes complication risks

Fri, 29 Jan 2010
Depression can increase the risk of diabetes complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. To reach the conclusion a team of researchers followed patients with type 2 diabetes for a study period of five years. Depression has often been associated with influencing blood glucose control in the past.

The level of depression clearly makes a difference, with those patients experiencing major depression also facing a 36 per cent higher risk of developing micro-vascular complications . This type of diabetes complication includes end-stage kidney disease. Furthermore, this type of depression could lead to a 25 per cent increased risk of developing macrovascular complications such as strokes.

The study, which was published in the journal of the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Care, confirms the links between depression and diabetes complications . People with type 2 diabetes who wish to avoid complications need to focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise and appropriate medication as determined by their healthcare professionals.

Although the investigation between mental health and chronic diseases such as diabetes has made a major step forward, much work remains to be done, particularly in relation to younger people.

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