Latest study links Type II diabetes and depression

‘Diabetes causes depression’ may be a factor that many are aware of. However, the fact that depression causes Type II diabetes is not very commonly known. A study conducted by Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Speciality Centre in the city, found the prevalence of diabetes to be higher among those with depression, than among the others. 

With Type II diabetes and depression sharing this bi-directional link, doctors now feel the need to provide treatment for both within the same clinic with the help of counsellors. 

Explaining the link, Dr Mohan, a renowned Diabetologist, said, “When one has depression, all the counter regulatory hormones, including cortisol and growth hormones, are activated. These hormones are all anti-insulin. The body is basically pumping out glucose when the hormone levels go up, causing the sugar to rise,” he said. “When you control depression, the stress hormones all come down, so the insulin is able to work. Therefore, the diabetes tends to go down,” he added.

Having conducted a study in Chennai, where the prevalence of Type II diabetes is about 24 per cent of all adults above 20 years of age, the team found that those who do not have depression, the diabetes levels were comparatively lesser. “The study, titled ‘Chennai Urban Rural Epidemiological Study (CURE), was conducted on 26,000 people. We noticed that the more depressed the individual was, the prevalence of diabetes increased,” he said.

Stating that it is essential for doctors to be aware of this link, Dr N Thomas, a Diabetologist, said, “People who have diabetes can have depression for many reasons, and the levels can vary, depending on the complications of the condition. However, it is also seen that illness or stress can trigger high blood sugar levels, because the hormones produced to combat illness or stress, can also cause your blood sugar to rise. People who do not have diabetes can make enough extra insulin to keep their blood sugar in a normal range during times of stress and illness. It is therefore essential to look into both aspects when a patient comes to the hospital.” 

Due to this bi-directional link, Dr Mohan’s centre has integrated diabetes and depression, in a study called Independent, in the same clinic. Patients are screened for depression. If they have very severe depression, they are sent to a psychiatrist. However, most people have mild to moderate depression. They are directed to meet counsellors who try to find out why they have depression and counsel them.