Prevalence of diabetes in patients with major depressive disorder: a population-based study

We conducted this population-based study to detect the prevalence and associated factors of diabetes in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Taiwan.

The National Health Research Institute provided a database of 1,000,000 random subjects for health service study. We obtained a random sample of 766,427 subjects 18 years or older, in 2005. Study subjects who had at least one service claim during 2005 for either outpatient or inpatient care, with a primary diagnosis of MDD or with a primary or secondary diagnosis of diabetes, were identified.

The 1-year prevalence of diabetes in patients with MDD was higher than that in the general population (11.65% vs 6.53%; odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-1.69) in 2005. Compared with the general population, patients with MDD had a higher prevalence of diabetes in all age groups, except age 18 to 29 years; among men and women; among all insurance amount groups; among those living in the northern and southern regions; and among residents living in urban, suburban, and rural areas. A higher prevalence of diabetes in patients with MDD was associated with increased age, use of antipsychotic agents, use of mood stabilizers, and residence in suburban areas.

Patients with MDD had a much higher prevalence of diabetes in young adult age group and in men than in the general population. Consequently, we must emphasize prevention, early detection, and adequate treatment of diabetes in patients with MDD.