Having Both Diabetes and Depression Increases the Risk of Early Death

Diabetes and depression are a bad combination - especially for women. According to a new study, women who are both depressed and have diabetes have a greater risk of dying early.

Diabetes with Depression: It's Not a Good Combination

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health zeroed in on almost 79,000 middle-aged and older women who took part in the Nurses' Health Study. After following the health of these women for 6 years, they found that both depressed women and women with diabetes had a greater risk of early death - but women with both diabetes and depression had a whopping 3 times higher risk of dying early.

The risk of dying of heart disease was also higher for women with both depression and diabetes. This held true even after they controlled for other risk factors for heart disease and an early death. Women who were at the greatest risk were those with a long history of diabetes and those who required insulin therapy.

Diabetes and Depression: They're Commonly Seen Together

Depression and diabetes are both common problems and are not infrequently seen together. In fact, up to 1 in 4 people who have diabetes also suffers from depression - and it often goes undiagnosed by doctors who focus mainly on keeping blood sugars down - not dealing with mental health issues. Some patients are also reluctant to admit they have the blues and may not feel comfortable confiding in their doctor.

Diabetics are at greater risk for depression for a variety of reasons. The challenges of managing their disease bring additional stress with it - and the complications of diabetes can be burdensome and may require hospitalization in some cases.

Some diabetics are in chronic pain due to diabetic nerve damage or neuropathy. Plus, diabetics spend more time trying to control their blood sugars and maintain their health, which places greater physical and psychological pressures on them. Diabetes is not always an easy disease to live with - or control.

Sadly, diabetics who become depressed may stop checking their blood sugars regularly, eat the wrong foods and not exercise - which may explain some of their higher risk of dying. Having diabetes and depression sets up a cycle that leads to poor diabetic control and complications such as heart disease.

The Bottom Line?

Diabetics are at a higher risk for depression. Even more disturbingly, it significantly increases their risk of dying. It's important that women with diabetes get help if they're feeling down or dealing with problems such as difficulty sleeping, fatigue, loss of pleasure in daily activities, changes in appetite, anxiety and, especially, suicidal thoughts. Getting treatment could save their life.

References:

Family Practice News. February 15, 2011. Page 21.

American Diabetes Association. "Depression"