Depression Treatment May Help Long Term Improvement Of Glycemic Control

Depression affects our physical selves as well as our emotional welfare. I know this from first hand experience. James Robinson of the Salient reports, “The use of anti-depressants grows each year at an increasing and ever-astounding rate. In the United States, the anti-depressant ‘industry’ is worth 14 billion dollars in sales a year.” Could antidepressent treatment provide benefits beyond just mood improvement?

A study of type 2 diabetics with depression confirms that depression has a negative impact on glycemic (blood sugar) control, researchers report, and “affirms the importance of depression management in diabetic patients in its potential to improve glycemic control.”

With the use of antidepressant medication, many patients have a better self image which leads to better diet, exercise and ultimately weight loss. The antidepressant Wellbutrin has had a positive effect in my life. I started on Wellbutrin after the birth of my third daughter. I was a bit frazzled and overwhelmed, to say the least. Well, three kids in three years, who wouldn’t be? Wellbutrin helped me through a rough spot in my life, as well as “triggering” a 50 pound weight loss. My type 2 diabetes is now controlled by diet and exercise. My average blood sugar daily is 85. Yes, I am tooting my own horn!

“This confirms our hypothesis that depression improvement can produce better glycemic control, independent of favorable changes in weight and diabetes self care,” Lustman noted. “Improvement in depression was the key to achieving longer term improvements in glucose control.”

via Reuters Health