Diabetes and depression as a vicious circle. Based on studies at Harvard University, depression increases the risk of diabetes. Vice versa, diabetes increases the risk of depression.
"The study showed that the two health problems that affect each other mutually," said study leader, Dr. Frank Hu, associate professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, as quoted from page MSN.
The study includes data that indicates, about 10 percent of the population in the United States have diabetes. As many as 95 percent of diagnosed type 2 diabetes, obesity triggered. While as much as 6.7 percent of the population aged over 18 years experience clinical depression each year.
Symptoms of diabetes are shown with high blood sugar levels and the inability to produce insulin. Generally characterized by frequent urination, easy thirst, blurred vision, and numbness in hands or feet. While symptoms of depression such as anxiety, hopelessness or guilt, lack of sleep, loss of appetite or excessive, to the loss of interest in life.
The study was conducted to observe health data 55 thousand female nurses for 10 years. A total of 7400 participants with depression, increased risk of diabetes by 17 percent. Those who are accustomed to taking anti-depressants and even increased risk of diabetes by 25 percent.
On the other hand, over 2800 participants with diabetes has a 29 percent risk of experiencing depression. Those who consume drugs and treatment of diabetes have a greater risk of depression.
Tony Z Tang, professor of the Department of Psychology Northwestern University, said, influence the relationship between diabetes and depression is reduced when participants perform the control of body weight and exercise regularly.
"This shows that the relationship between depression and diabetes is influenced confounding variables," said Tang. "In layman's terms, obesity and unhealthy lifestyles make people easily depressed, and potential diabetes."
Dr. Frank Hu added, high levels of depression will affect blood sugar and insulin metabolism, through the release of stress hormones or cortisol. While diabetes can lead to chronic stress. "So the relationship of diabetes and depression can not just issue an unhealthy lifestyle, but also has a biological relevance."
