New genetic research has revealed that depression may be a direct cause of Type 2 diabetes, according to scientists from the UK.
The two conditions are always linked: Patients with Type 2 diabetes are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than others.
However, it has never been clear whether Type 2 diabetes causes depression, or vice versa – or if other factors, such as obesity, are involved.
Now, researchers have discovered seven genetic variants that contribute to both conditions. This gene plays a role in insulin production and in inflammation in the brain, pancreas and fat tissue.
Changes caused by genes in the body may explain some of the processes involved in depression and how it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“This very important study gives us new insights into the relationship between genetics, Type 2 diabetes and depression, showing that depression can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes,” Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said in a statement.
“Type 2 diabetes is complex, with multiple risk factors – and previous research has shown that the condition is more common in people with depression,” added Robertson.
Genetic research suggests that depression may be a direct cause of type 2 diabetes. Getty Images
“This study gives us a deeper insight into the cause and shows that depression should now be considered a risk factor for Type 2 [diabetes].”
The researchers combed genetic data from hundreds of thousands of UK and Finnish residents, including 19,000 with Type 2 diabetes, 5,000 diagnosed with depression and 153,000 who self-reported depression.
Their analysis, published in the journal Diabetes Care, revealed that only 36.5% of the effect of depression on Type 2 diabetes could be explained by obesity.
Medical experts encourage doctors to screen for Type 2 diabetes in patients with depression.Getty Images/iStockphoto
And medical experts still believe that having Type 2 diabetes may be a risk factor for developing depression, even though the direct cause of diabetes causing depression was not found in this latest study.
Because depression, Type 2 diabetes and obesity have now been strongly linked by research, the study authors hope their work will encourage healthcare providers to screen their patients with depression for Type 2 diabetes and other related conditions.
“Our findings illuminate depression as a cause of Type 2 diabetes and may help improve prevention efforts,” said professor Inga Prokopenko from the University of Surrey, who led the research effort.
“These findings are important for both individuals living with the condition and healthcare providers, who should consider implementing additional screening to help prevent type 2 diabetes attacks in people with depression.”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
