Diabetes mellitus and major depression: considerations for treatment of Native Americans

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) extracts a heavy toll on the Native American community in the United States. Evidence indicates that patients with NIDDM are three times more likely to have a co-existing diagnosis of depression. Untreated major depression unfavorably impacts the complication rates of NIDDM. Thus, Native Americans who are at increased risk for NIDDM are likely to be at increased risk for major depression. Physicians in Oklahoma should be aware of important treatment issues when selecting an antidepressant medication to treat major depression in Native Americans with NIDDM. Treatment options for major depression in the context of diabetes are discussed. Evidence currently indicates that the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have significant advantages and a more favorable side effect profile for the treatment of depression in patients with diabetes mellitus.