Evaluating symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with diabetes mellitus

This study investigated how common symptoms of anxiety and depression are amongst patients with diabetes mellitus. This study concluded that 1 in 10 patients had symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

Depression is nearly twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to the general population. Approximately 1 in 5 patients with diabetes develop symptoms of depression. Depression has been associated with poorer outcomes for these patients, such as persistent high blood sugar levels.

Patients with diabetes are also 1.25 times more likely to develop anxiety disorders or symptoms. Previous studies have shown that anxiety disorders may also be associated with high blood sugar levels. However, the long-term health effects of depression and anxiety in patients with diabetes remain under investigation.

This study collected data from 6590 patients with diabetes mellitus. 42% of patients had Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and 58% of patients had Type 2 diabetes (T2D). On average, significantly fewer patients with T1D reported having had a diagnosis of anxiety or depression (15% vs. 20%) compared to patients with T2D.

Overall, 9% of all patients reported symptoms of both anxiety and depression. 2% of all patients reported symptoms of anxiety only. Slightly more patients with T2D reported symptoms of depression only (11%) compared to patients with T1D (8%). However, significantly more patients with T2D reported symptoms of both anxiety and depression compared to those with T1D (354 patients, 9.3% vs. 240 patients, 8.6%).

In the T1D group, patients with anxiety symptoms only were 2.12 times more likely to also have heart or kidney problems compared to patients with no symptoms. This likelihood was 2.48 times higher for patients with depression symptoms only. Compared to patients with T2D, patients with T1D who had symptoms of both anxiety and depression were significantly more likely to also have heart or kidney problems (3.34 vs. 2.29).

In the T1D group, patients with symptoms of both anxiety and depression were significantly less likely to use insulin properly compared to patients with no symptoms (3.16 times less likely). These patients were also significantly less likely to have a healthy diet (3.47 times less likely) or exercise (2.54 times less likely).

In the T2D group, patients with symptoms of both anxiety and depression were significantly less likely to take anti-diabetes medications properly compared to patients with no symptoms (2.49 times less likely). These patients were also 1.52 times less likely to use insulin properly. These patients were also significantly less likely to have a healthy diet (4.63 times less likely) or exercise (2.75 times less likely).

This study concluded that 1 in 10 patients had symptoms of both anxiety and depression. The authors suggest that these patients were also more likely to have poorer diabetes self-care, including taking medications, having a healthy diet, and exercising.

This study used patient data from two large studies. This data was self-reported by patients. This may limit the conclusions that can be drawn from these results.

Talk to your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of depression or anxiety.