Depression and Risk for Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: Many studies have reported the relationship between depression and diabetes, but the results have been inconsistent. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review through meta-analysis to assess the association of depression with the risk for developing diabetes. Methods: We retrieved the studies concerning depression and the risk for diabetes. Meta-analysis was applied to calculate the combined effect values and their 95% confidence intervals. The risk for publication bias was assessed by the Egger regression asymmetry test. Results: As many as 33 articles were included in the meta-analysis, for a total of 2 411 641 participants. The pooled relative risk for diabetes was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.25-1.59) for depression, and the combined relative risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus was 1.32 (95% CI, 1.18-1.47). Conclusions: Depressed people have a 41% increased risk for developing diabetes mellitus and a 32% increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are still unclear and need further research. (C) 2015 Canadian Diabetes Association