Depression increases the risk of mortality among people living with diabetes: Results from national health and nutrition examination survey, USA

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and depression are leading global public health problems associated with profound disability and lower quality of life. Extensive evidence suggests that the two disorders are frequently comorbid. However, long-term effects such as the risk of mortality due to depression among people living with T2D are not well explored.

Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2010 were linked with mortality files from the National Death Index up to December 31st, 2019.

Results: A total of 14,920 American adults were included in the study sample; nearly a tenth of them had depression (9.08 %) or T2D (10 %). In adjusted analysis, individuals with T2D were 1.70 times more likely (95 % CI = 1.42-2.03) to die than those without T2D. Among people living with T2D without depression, the risk of mortality was 1.55 times higher, but those with both T2D and depression had a 4.24 times higher risk of mortality.

Conclusions: Given the greater risk of morbidity and premature mortality with cooccurring T2D and depression, widespread screening is warranted with a focus on high-risk groups. Integrated and collaborative care models can help address the psychosocial needs of people with T2D and should be widely implemented with the sensitization of clinicians and care teams in primary and specialist care for T2D.

Keywords: Depression; Diabetes; Mortality; Prevention; Risk.