Diabetes Complications Linked to Mental Health Issues, Study Reveals
New Delhi: A recent study has uncovered a significant two-way relationship between diabetes complications, such as heart attack and stroke, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The research indicates that individuals suffering from diabetes-related complications are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, and conversely, those with mental health issues are more likely to experience complications related to diabetes.
The researchers emphasized that this connection could be both direct and indirect. The two sets of conditions—diabetes complications and mental health issues—share several common risk factors, including obesity and difficulties in controlling blood sugar levels. These shared risk factors may contribute to the increased likelihood of developing either condition.
Maya Watanabe, a biostatistician at Harvard University’s School of Public Health and the study’s lead author, explained that the relationship is likely driven by a combination of these direct and indirect effects. “Most likely, a combination of direct and indirect effects and shared risk factors drive the association we are seeing,” Watanabe said. The findings, published in the journal Diabetes Care, underscore the complex interplay between physical and mental health.
This study highlights the importance of comprehensive healthcare approaches that address both the physical and mental well-being of individuals with diabetes. By recognizing the bidirectional relationship between these conditions, healthcare providers can better support patients in managing their overall health and improving their quality of life. As the understanding of this link grows, it may lead to more effective treatment strategies for those affected by diabetes and its complications.
SOURCE: PTI
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