Anti-depressants Linked to Increased Diabetes Risk

Rebecca Lewis September 26, 2013

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Many people depend on medications to ward off the debilitating symptoms of depression. But these drugs do not only have side effects – they may also increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

Researchers at theUniversity of Southamptonconducted a systematic review of22 medical studies involving more than one million people, and found a link between anti-depressant use and diabetes. They discovered that men and women taking medications for depression face an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes.

The reason behind the link is not yet known, but the researchersbelieve it could be that people taking anti-depressants tend to put on much weight, which in turn, increases their risk of diabetes. However, the team notes that there are several studies that suggest the link, even after adjusting for changes in body weight.

Another theory is that the drug itself could be affecting blood sugar levels.

“Our research shows that when you take away all the classic risk factors of type 2 diabetes; weight gain, lifestyle etc, there is something about anti-depressants that appears to be an independent risk factor… Heightened alertness to the possibility of diabetes in people taking antidepressants is necessary until further research is conducted.” said Dr Katharine Barnard, a health psychologist from the University of Southampton.

The researchersemphasised the significant increase in the use of anti-depressantsin the UK, totalling to 46 million prescriptions a year. They said doctors should keep a closer check for early warning signs of diabetes in patients who have been prescribed these drugs.

"Some of this may be coincidence but there’s a signal that people who are being treated with anti-depressants then have an increased risk of going on to develop diabetes. We need to think about screening and look at means to reduce that risk." lead author Prof Richard Holt said.

Diabetes is easy to diagnose through a blood test so it ought to be included during consultation, the professor added.

The researchers also highlighted the role of diet and exercise in preventing diabetes, as these are good for mental health too.

Commenting on the study, Dr Mathew Hobbs of Diabetes UK said that the findings fall short of strong evidence that anti-depressants directly increases the risk of diabetes, but he affirms that some anti-depressants can really cause weight gain. “Anyone who is currently taking, or considering taking, anti-depressants and is concerned about this should discuss their concerns with their GP." the doctor said.

Prof Richard Holt and colleagues also admit that more research is needed to determine and investigate the actualfactors behind the antidepressant-use and diabetes link.

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Anti-depressants ’linked to type 2 diabetes’