Depression in Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes patients have a twofold increased risk of suffering from depression as compared to individuals without diabetes. This commonly overlooked comorbidity affects about a quarter of the diabetic population. Because depression among diabetes patients has been associated with decreased metabolic control, poor adherence to medication and diet regimens, a reduction in quality of life, it is of importance for health care providers to recognize and properly treat depression among diabetes patients. When screening for depression, it is important to take into account that the physical symptoms of depression and diabetes overlap to some degree. Also, when deciding on a treatment plan for depression in diabetic patients, the health care provider must be aware of the unique side effects of antidepressants in this population. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are effective in treating depression in the presence of diabetes; both cognitive behavior therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been associated with glycemic improvement in some studies.