A META-ANALYSIS: DEPRESSION AS A RISK FOR THE ONSET OF DIABETES MELLITUS 2.

A Meta Analysis

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: Evidence and studies strongly suggest that depression and type 2 diabetes are associated, but the direction of the association is still unclear. Although much research is going on to conclude this theory, still its association is unclear. Depression may occur as a consequence of having diabetes, but may also be a risk factor for the onset of type 2 diabetes. This study examined the latter association by reviewing the literature and conducting a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies on this topic.

Methodology: Articles published on Medicine, Psychology, Human Behavioral changes, and Psychiatric Information were searched up to December 2020. All studies that examined the relationship between depression and the onset of type 2 diabetes were included. Concluded relative risks were calculated using fixed and random effects models. To explore sources of heterogeneity between studies, subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses were performed.

Results: 1099 studies met our inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. The concluded relative risk was 3.26 (3.13–3.39) using the fixed effects model and 3.37 (3.14–3.63) using the random-effects model. The differences and heterogeneity between studies could not be explained by the following 1. whether studies controlled for undetected diabetes at baseline; 2. the method of diabetes assessment at follow-up; 3.  the baseline overall risk of diabetes in the study population; and 4. follow-up duration.

Conclusions: Depressed persons have a 41% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship are still unclear and need further research. A randomized controlled study is needed to test whether effective prevention or treatment of depression can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and its health consequences.