Clinical insights into the cross-link between mood disorders and type 2 diabetes: A review of longitudinal studies and Mendelian randomisation analyses

Mood disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prevalent conditions that often co-occur. We reviewed the available evidence from longitudinal and Mendelian randomisation (MR) studies on the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder and T2DM. The clinical implications of this comorbidity on the course of either condition and the impact of antidepressants, mood stabilisers, and antidiabetic drugs were examined. Consistent evidence indicates a bidirectional association between mood disorders and T2DM. T2DM leads to more severe depression, whereas depression is associated with more complications and higher mortality in T2DM. MR studies demonstrated a causal effect of MDD on T2DM in Europeans, while a suggestive causal association in the opposite direction was found in East Asians. Antidepressants, but not lithium, were associated with a higher T2DM risk in the long-term, but confounders cannot be excluded. Some oral antidiabetics, such as pioglitazone and liraglutide, may be effective on depressive and cognitive symptoms. Studies in multi-ethnic populations, with a more careful assessment of confounders and appropriate power, would be important.

Automated summary

Mood disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often co-occur, with T2DM leading to more severe depression and depression being associated with more complications and higher mortality in T2DM. There is a bidirectional association between mood disorders and T2DM. Mendelian randomisation studies showed a causal effect of MDD on T2DM in Europeans and a suggestive causal association in the opposite direction in East Asians. Antidepressants may increase the long-term risk of T2DM, while certain oral antidiabetics could be effective for depressive and cognitive symptoms.