September 6th 2023.
Depression has long been linked to type 2 diabetes, but until recently it wasn't known if depression was causing the type 2 diabetes, or if it was the other way around. Now, thanks to a new study funded by the charity Diabetes UK, researchers have revealed that depression is indeed a direct cause of type 2 diabetes.
The study found that around 4.5 million people in the UK are affected by type 2 diabetes, and that those with the condition are twice as likely to suffer from depression. The researchers used a statistical method called Mendelian randomisation to analyse genetic and health information, and found that only 36.5% of the effect of depression on type 2 diabetes could be explained by obesity.
The study also identified seven genetic variants that contribute to both type 2 diabetes and depression, suggesting that changes in biological processes such as insulin secretion or inflammation in the brain, pancreas or fat tissue may explain how depression increases type 2 diabetes risk.
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. This study gives us greater insight into why and indicates that depression should now be considered a risk factor for type 2.”
The study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, used data from hundreds of thousands of people in the UK and Finland. The researchers believe that the results of the study highlight the importance of preventing type 2 diabetes at the onset of depressive symptoms, and the need to maintain a healthy weight in the context of its effect on depression and type 2 diabetes co-morbidity.
People with depression are encouraged to complete Diabetes UK's free online 'Know your risk' tool to know their risk of type 2 diabetes, so they can get the right support to reduce their risk and avoid type 2 diabetes. Inga Prokopenko, professor e-One Health and head of statistical multi-omics at the University of Surrey, who led the study, said: “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.”
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