Recent research has found that individuals with chronic diabetes complications are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Conversely, those with mental health issues are more likely to experience severe diabetes-related complications such as stroke, nerve damage, and heart attacks.
Dr. Brian Callaghan, the study’s lead author, emphasized that the research revealed a two-way relationship: chronic diabetes complications can lead to mental health issues, and vice versa. He stressed the need for clinicians to screen diabetes patients not only for chronic complications but also for mental health disorders.
The study analyzed insurance claims from over 500,000 adults with diabetes and 350,000 without. It found that those with diabetes complications were three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression. Additionally, older adults with diabetes had an increased risk of mental health problems.
Participants with mental health disorders faced a 2.5 times greater risk of severe diabetes complications. The researchers suggested that this bidirectional relationship may result from the direct effects of diabetes complications or mental health conditions on each other.
Dr. Callaghan noted that conditions like stroke can directly impact brain function, potentially leading to depression. Meanwhile, mental health issues can affect a person’s ability to manage diabetes effectively, increasing their risk of complications.
Maya Watanabe, a co-author of the study, pointed out that shared risk factors might drive these associations. She suggested that addressing these factors could help prevent multiple complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of people with diabetes experience distress related to their condition within 18 months. Dr. Eva Feldman, another co-author, called for improved care systems to include mental health screening, accessible mental health services, and education for both physicians and patients.
She concluded that immediate action is needed to address these issues effectively.
