Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms Might be Associated with Sudomotor Dysfunction in Chinese T2DM Patients

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a growing global health concern.
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects a significant portion of T2DM patients.
• Depressive symptoms are common comorbidities in individuals with chronic diseases like T2DM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between sudomotor function, nerve conduction, and self-reported depressive symptoms in Chinese T2DM patients.
• To identify potential biomarkers for depressive symptoms in T2DM.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 162 T2DM patients from a community health center.
• Assessment of sudomotor function using SUDOSCAN (Electrochemical Skin Conductance - ESC).
• Nerve conduction was evaluated using a Point-of-care Nerve Conduction Device (DPN-check).
• Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used for neuropathy and depressive symptom assessment.

Main Results:

• 18.5% of T2DM patients reported depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 scores ≥5).
• Patients with depressive symptoms exhibited significantly lower ESC values in both hands and feet compared to those without.
• Lower ESC values (<60 μS) were associated with a higher proportion of moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
• Hands ESC values showed a negative correlation with PHQ-9 scores, and this association persisted after adjusting for confounding variables.
• Female sex was positively associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Sudomotor dysfunction, as measured by ESC, may be associated with self-reported depressive symptoms in Chinese T2DM patients.
• ESC could serve as a potential indicator for screening depressive symptoms in T2DM.
• Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications.