Depression may be a direct cause of type 2 diabetes

health

by Mark Laranilla

British scientists say new genetic research has revealed that depression may be a direct cause of type 2 diabetes.

These two symptoms are always related. People with type 2 diabetes are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as other people.

However, it was not clear whether type 2 diabetes causes depression or vice versa, or whether other factors such as obesity are involved.

Now, researchers have found seven genetic variants that contribute to both conditions. These genes play a role in insulin production and inflammation in the brain, pancreas, and adipose tissue.

Genetic changes in the body may partially explain the processes involved in depression and how depression increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“This very important study provides new insight into the links between genetics, type 2 diabetes and depression, and shows that depression may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. said Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at the British Diabetes Institute. said in a statement.

“Type 2 diabetes is complex and has multiple risk factors, and previous research has shown that the condition is common in people with depression,” Robertson added.

“This study gives us greater insight into why and shows that depression should now be considered a Type 2 risk factor.” [diabetes]”

The researchers used genetic data from hundreds of thousands of UK and Finnish residents, including 19,000 with type 2 diabetes, 5,000 diagnosed with depression, and 153,000 self-reported depression. was thoroughly investigated.

In their analysis Published in Diabetes Care journalfound that only 36.5% of the effect of depression on type 2 diabetes could be explained by obesity.

And even though this latest study did not find a direct cause for diabetes to cause depression, medical professionals still believe that having type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for developing depression. I believe it is possible.

Because depression, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are so strongly linked by research, the authors of this study believe that their research will help health care providers screen people with depression for type 2 diabetes and other related conditions. I hope to encourage you to do so.

“Our findings reveal that depression contributes to type 2 diabetes and may help improve prevention efforts,” said Inga Prokopenko, a professor at the University of Surrey who led the research effort. .

“This finding is important for both individuals living with this condition and health care providers, and should consider implementing additional testing to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people suffering from depression.”