Depression and Advanced Complications of Diabetes

Major depression in patients with type 2 diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications over the previous five years.

These risks were sustained even after adjusting for disease severity and the patients’ self-care activities. Researchers examined a cohort of 4,623 primary care patients with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled in 2000-2002 and followed through 2005-2007. 

Adverse outcomes included myocardial infarction, stroke, end-stage renal disease, and amputations. According to the authors, “Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms for this association and to test interventions to reduce the risk of diabetes complications among patients with comorbid depression.”

Diabetes Care (02/10) Vol. 33, No. 2, P. 264; Lin, Elizabeth H. B.; Rutter, Carolyn M.; Katon, Wayne