The Depression & Type 2 Diabetes Link: Which Came First?

For many years, there has been a theory among the healthcare community connecting depression to Type 2 diabetes in adults. For many patients who suffer from Type 2 diabetes, there is a question as to whether or not there is a connection between the diabetic condition and mental health and, if so, which complications arose first.

In recent years, many studies have been conducted confirming the connection between Type 2 diabetes and depression and, even further, these studies support the depressive condition generally precedes the Type 2 diabetes. In fact, these studies support the onset of Type 2 diabetes, in depressed adults, is not necessarily connected to the state of mind but, instead, related to a physiological change in hormone and chemical balance as a result of a depressed condition.

In terms of physiological changes within the body, research seems to point to the role of norepinephrine, dopamine and adrenaline play in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Because these biological components are often imbalanced in the depressed adult, there is an associated impairment in blood glucose tolerance levels, leading to increased blood glucose levels. When these blood glucose levels increase, Type 2 diabetes often develops.

If you are an adult who suffers from either depression or Type 2 diabetes, it is important to seek out medical attention to address any physiological changes that may be attributing to diabetes but also seek out services of a mental health professional to address complications associated with depression. For many adults, unfortunately, the diagnosis of depression may not come until Type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed, resulting in further complex cases of depression.

Medication, diet and exercise are the key factors that prevent and remedy complications associated with Type 2 diabetes as well as depression. With the collaboration of both an endocrinologist, as well as a mental health professional, your blood chemistry levels should be checked frequently as you progress through a treatment plan. To ensure your life care plan is working favorably to resolve depression and co-morbid Type 2 diabetes, these blood tests should measure not only your blood glucose levels but also the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and adrenaline in your system.

As with any progressive and chronic disease, such as Type 2 diabetes, the key to your optimal health outcome will lie in your compliance with the treatment plan tailored to your needs. When discussing treatment options, be sure to address the need for psychological services to ensure any complications associated with depression are also managed simultaneously.