Diabetics At Higher Risk For Depression

Filed in archive News on October 24, 2006

Like diabetes, depression is a growing epidemic among us. Research continues to show that diabetics are at a greater risk than the general population for developing depression.

People with Type 2 diabetes are far more likely to suffer depression than those without, according to a study out today.

A paper published in the journal Diabetic Medicine, found that men with Type 2 were almost twice as likely to suffer depression as healthy men, while women were 30% more likely.

Simon O'Neill, director of care and policy at Diabetes UK, said: "people with diabetes who have depression are also more likely to have poorer blood glucose management, leaving them at increased risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, strokes, blindness and amputations.

"The current provision of psychological intervention for people with diabetes is shockingly inadequate.

"This research shows that more resources are needed to provide psychological and emotional support for people with diabetes if they wish it."

Do you, or does someone you love, suffer from depression? How have you dealt with it?