Comorbid depression and diabetes mellitus: a double whammy

Depression is commonly found as a comorbid condition in chronic medical illnesses in general, and diabetes mellitus in particular. Patients with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from depression as compared to the general population. The relationship between depression and diabetes has been argued to be essentially bi-directional. Coexistence of diabetes and depression is associated with poor symptom control; increased suffering, health care expenditure, disability; decreased quality of life and greater risk of death. Treatment of depression may not only improve depressive symptoms, but may also have a positive impact on glycemic control and health care behaviors. Hence, it is worthwhile for clinicians to recognize and adequately treat depression in patients with diabetes