A link between antidepressants and type 2 diabetes

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Public release date: 25-Mar-2008

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-03/uoa-alb032508.php

Contact: Carmen Leibel

carmen.leibel@...

University of Alberta

A link between antidepressants and type 2 diabetes

While analyzing data from Saskatchewan health databases, Brown,

researcher with the U of A’s School of Public Health, found people with

a history of depression had a 30 per cent increased risk of type 2 Diabetes.

Brown then studied the medical history of 2,400 people who were

diagnosed with depression and were taking antidepressants to determine

whether there was a clear correlation between that disease and type 2

Diabetes.

Brown divided the group into four categories: those who took

antidepressants that were considered older therapies, patients who were

using newer treatments, those using a combination of both an old and new

treatments and people who were switching medications.

What she found was the risk of diabetes almost doubled for the patients

who were using two types of therapies at the same time, tricyclic

antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

(SSRIs). Brown says people are usually prescribed multiple medications

“if they have severe depression or if they are having a problem finding

the right therapy.”

Brown believes these results, and results of previous studies

demonstrating an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in people with

depression, emphasize the need for regular screening for type 2 diabetes

in people with depression, particularly those taking more than one

antidepressant. She also encourages diabetes and depression

organizations to educate their members about this link.

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This study was recently published in Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice.

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ne Holden, MS, RD

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