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Depressive symptom reductions may improve glycemic control
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Adults with type 2 diabetes who experience reductions in depressive symptoms compared with those without reductions over 12 months are more likely to experience reductions in HbA1c and reach in-target glycemic control levels, according to findings published in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.
Andreas Schmitt, PhD, of the Research Institute of the Diabetes Academy Mergentheim, Diabetes Center Mergentheim and German Center for Diabetes Research in Germany, and colleagues evaluated data from the DIAMOS study on 181 adults (mean age, 45 years; 57% women) with type 2 diabetes to determine whether a reduction of depressive symptoms can explain improved glycemic control. Follow-up was conducted for 12 months.
The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess reduction of depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up.
A mean reduction of 5.1 points on the CES-D (P < .001) was observed and 47% of participants showed follow-up CES-D scores of 15 or lower, suggesting recovery. Mean HbA1c reduced by 0.7% from baseline to follow-up (P < .001) and 35% of participants reached in-target glycemic control levels.
Associations were observed between reductions of depressive symptoms and follow-up HbA1c (P = .011) and glycemic improvement (P = .004).
The odds for reaching in-target glycemic control at follow-up were higher among participants with greater reductions in depressive symptoms between baseline and follow-up compared with participants with lower reductions (P = .023). The odds for reaching the glycemic target were increased by 4% with each reduction of depressive symptoms by 1-point on CES-D (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08).
“Our findings suggest that the reduction of depressive symptoms in depressed diabetes patients may be associated with improvements in glycemic control,” the researchers wrote. “Although the present findings do not warrant specific treatment recommendations, practitioners might consider offering concerned patients (ie, those with depressive symptoms and poor glycemic control) interventions aiming to improve both affective and glycemic outcomes for optimal treatment benefit.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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