Depression Alone Can Trigger Type 2 Diabetes

Depression. Ahh, the taboo topic that isn’t so taboo anymore. As I have written before depression affects so many people across the board. Diabetics are no exception.

Researchers found that depression alone, and not lifestyle factors like being overweight, can trigger Type 2 diabetes in adults 65 and older, a population with a high prevalence of diabetes and depression.

Researchers measured depressive mood and thoughts at a particular point in time as well as over the long term. By doing this, they were able to get a more conclusive and accurate view of depressive symptoms.

By measuring depressive symptoms before diabetes developed, researchers were able to investigate the causal effect between mood and diabetes.

We know that high stress hormones like cortisol can decrease insulin sensitivity and increase fat deposits around ones waist. The ol’ spare tire if you will. Oh joy!

“When you’re depressed or under stress your body is trying to keep glucose in the bloodstream because it needs it for immediate energy. So, it’s blocking insulin action. And you may even be producing more glucose because your body thinks it needs the sugar,” Carnethon said.

The bottom line is that doctors need to take depressive symptoms in patients, especially over 65, very serious. Seeing what it could lead to, it would be both health and cost effective.

via Daily India

Archives of Internal Medicine