The Pathways Study

Top Cited Papers
Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Approximately 10% to 15% of patients with diabetes mellitus meet criteriafor comorbid major depression.1,2 Depressionis a risk factor for development of diabetes mellitus,3,4 itis associated with adverse diabetes outcomes,5-9 anddiabetes may worsen the course of depression.10 Researchsuggests that the presence of comorbid chronic physical disease, such as diabetesmellitus, is a negative prognostic factor for depression treatment outcomes.11,12 Patients with diabetes mellitus andmajor depression, compared with those with diabetes mellitus alone, have beenshown to have higher symptom burden5; increasedfunctional impairment5,6; pooreradherence to diet, exercise, and taking medications2,5,6;higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels7;and more diabetes complications.8,9 Giventhe high comorbidity of depression and diabetes mellitus and the potentialreciprocal adverse impact of these conditions, there is a need for treatmenttrials to assess whether enhancing recognition and treatment of depressionimproves diabetes and depression outcomes.