Depression can play a direct role in the development of type 2 diabetes, according to new research examining the cause-and-effect relationship between the two conditions.
Led by Professor Inga Prokopenko, the Diabetes UK-funded study used genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people to shed new light on the complex relationship between depression and type 2 diabetes.
The researchers suggest people with a history of depression should be assessed for their risk of type 2 diabetes, so they can be supported to avoid developing the condition.
Previous research had indicated that people with type 2 diabetes are approximately twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without diabetes and that people with depression have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But until now it wasn’t clear if depression caused type 2, or vice versa, or if other factors were responsible for the link between the two conditions.
In this latest study, researchers used a statistical method, called Mendelian randomisation, to analyse genetic and health information and determine whether type 2 diabetes and depression can cause the development of the other.
The analysis revealed for the first time that depression directly causes an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with higher bodyweight partly, but not wholly, explaining the effects of depression on type 2 diabetes.
The researchers further pinpointed seven genetic variants that contribute to both type 2 diabetes and depression. The shared genes play a role in insulin secretion or inflammation in the brain, pancreas or fat tissue, with changes in these biological processes potentially explaining how depression increases risk of type 2 diabetes.
There was no evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship of type 2 diabetes on the development of depression. However, there are indirect links between the conditions, with both affected by common risk factors such as obesity and low levels of physical activity. The demands of living with the relentless day-to-day burden of type 2 diabetes can also be a factor in developing depression.
Dr Elizabeth Robertson, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said: “This hugely important study gives us new insights into the links between genetics, type 2 diabetes and depression, indicating that depression can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
“Type 2 diabetes is complex, with multiple risk factors – and previous research has shown that the condition is more common in people with depression.”
She added: “This study gives us greater insight into why and indicates that depression should now be considered a risk factor for type 2.
“This knowledge could help healthcare professionals to improve care and support for people with a history of depression and prevent more cases of type 2 diabetes.
“We strongly encourage anyone with depression to know their risk of type 2 diabetes by completing Diabetes UK’s free online Know Your Risk tool, so they can get the right support to reduce their risk and avoid type 2 diabetes.”
Professor Inga Prokopenko, Professor e-One Health and Head of Statistical Multi-Omics from the University of Surrey, added: “Our discovery illuminates depression as a contributing cause of type 2 diabetes and could help to improve prevention efforts.
“The findings are important for both individuals living with the conditions and healthcare providers, who should consider implementing additional examinations to help prevent type 2 diabetes onset in people suffering from depression.”
She continued: “There are now more than five million people in the UK living with diabetes, and about 90% of them have type 2 – which has many risk factors, including age, genetics, ethnicity and bodyweight.
“Depression and type 2 diabetes share some symptoms, such as being tired and sleeping a lot, and having difficulty concentrating.
“This can make it difficult to know whether symptoms are being caused by depression or diabetes, or both.”
Diabetes UK says it is vital that people with diabetes receive care and support for both the physical and mental impact the condition can have on health.
For further information about diabetes and depression, including advice on how to get support if you need it, visit the Diabetes UK website at diabetes.org.uk. You can check your risk of type 2 diabetes by visiting riskscore.diabetes.org.uk.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
