Chinese University finds people with diabetes at greater risk of depression
Research team calls for early screening to help depressed patients better manage diabetes
People with diabetes are twice as likely to also suffer from depression - and that can affect how well they manage the disease - according to a study by the Chinese University.
The university's Institute of Diabetes and Obesity surveyed 586 people with diabetes, aged between 25 and 75, in 2010 and 2011. A sample of 99 was then further assessed by psychiatrists, of whom 23 per cent were found to have clinical depression.
While the rate of depression among the general population is 8 per cent, the research team found that for people with diabetes it increases to 18 per cent.
Dr Rose Ting Zhao-wei, honorary clinical assistant professor at the institute, said that experiencing depression could affect how the patient copes with diabetes. "Affected by their mood, they might have a weaker medication compliance or their diet may be less stable," she said.
The study also used data from previous research, conducted by the Hong Kong Diabetes Registry between 1997 and 2008, which showed that for people with diabetes and depression, the risk of cardiovascular diseases doubled and the risk of a stroke trebled.
A patient with diabetes and depression, identified only as Joey, said she often got tired after taking her psychiatric medicine.