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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: April 26, 2024
Examining a bidirectional association between depressive symptoms and diabetes
Sherita Hill Golden1, Mariana Lazo, Mercedes Carnethon
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. sahill@jhmi.edu
Depressive symptoms may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while treated type 2 diabetes is linked to higher depressive symptoms. Lifestyle factors partially explain the link between depression and new-onset type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are linked to type 2 diabetes development.
- The role of type 2 diabetes as a risk factor for depressive symptoms is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional relationship between depressive symptoms and type 2 diabetes in a diverse cohort.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) of 45-84 year olds.
- Assessed depressive symptoms via CES-D scale and antidepressant use.
- Categorized glucose levels: normal, impaired fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetes (treated/untreated).
Main Results:
- Elevated depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, partially mediated by lifestyle.
- Impaired fasting glucose and untreated type 2 diabetes showed an inverse association with incident depressive symptoms.
- Treated type 2 diabetes was positively associated with developing depressive symptoms, independent of confounders.
Conclusions:
- A modest bidirectional association exists between depressive symptoms and type 2 diabetes.
- The relationship differs based on diabetes treatment status.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between mental health and glucose metabolism.
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