According to Dr. Coleman M.D., it is common for individuals to experience comorbid Diabetes Mellitus and Depression. Diabetes Mellitus is also known as Type 2 diabetes. On its own, each diesase acts as a risk factor for the other disease. For those with diabetes, the chances of also experiencing depression is 15-30%. In addition, individuals with depression have twice the risk of the onset of Type 2 diabetes than those without depression. When these two diseases are paired, there is a larger rate of morbidity and mortality.
Both Diabetes and Depression are influenced by blood sugar. Variations in blood pressure can influence moods such as anger, anxiety, sadness, frustration, and general well being. Those who are depressed with diabetes exhibit less self care, a decreased adherence to exercise and meditations, and smoking cessation. These individuals also have higher BMIs(Body Mass Indexes), more hemoglobin A, and an increased medical comorbidity. Risk for demention, hospitalization, and death is also greater in patients with both diseases.
Because Diabetes and Depression have overlapping symptoms, it can be hard to determine whether a person has a comorbid condition. Similar symptoms in both illnesses include fatigue, decreased energy, change in appetite and weight, trouble concentrating, and sleep disturbances. One way to make it easier to separate the conditions is to divide the depression symptoms into two groups: Somatic and Psychological symptoms. The somatic symptoms include energy levels, sleep, appetite, and concetration whereas, the psychological symptoms include mood, interest, suicidal thoughts, guilt, and worthlessness. The somatic symptoms of depression more commonly overlap with diabetes, so when checking to see if an individual has a comorbid condition, it is recommended to identify the psychological factors of depression as well as the somatic.
Dr. Coleman elaborates on the importance of identifying the comorbidity in order to effectively treat patients. If a patient with diabetes also has depression, SSRIs may not be the best medication option. Certain SSRIs can induce weight gain in patients, which can only exacerbate diabetes symptoms. The best way to find an effective treatment is to make sure that as much information as possible has been collected about what disorders a patient in experiencing. This way treatments can be chosen so that they cater to the needs of both disorders.
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