Depression, depression treatment, and insulin sensitivity in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes

Impact of impaired glucose metabolism on responses to a psychophysical stressor: modulation by ketamine

RATIONALE

There is evidence that hypoglycemia, a metabolic stressor, can negatively impact mood and motivation, and can interact with other stressors to potentiate their effects on behavior and physiology.

OBJECTIVES/METHODS

The current study in male Sprague-Dawley rats explored the interaction between impaired glucose metabolism induced by 0, 200, or 300 mg/kg 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and a psychophysical stressor induced by forced swimming stress (FSS; 6 sessions, 10 min/session). The endpoints of interest were blood glucose levels, progressive behavioral immobility, and saccharin preference (2-bottle choice test). Furthermore, it was investigated whether pre-treatment with 0, 10, or 20 mg/kg ketamine could modify the interaction between 2-DG and FSS on these endpoints.

RESULTS

It was found that 2-DG increased blood glucose levels equally in all experimental groups, accelerated the immobile response to FSS, and suppressed saccharin preference 1 week following termination of stress exposure. As well, pre-treatment with ketamine blocked the effects of combined 2-DG and FSS on immobility and saccharin preference without affecting blood glucose levels and produced an anti-immobility effect that was observed during a drug-free test swim 1 week following administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these findings demonstrate that impaired glucose metabolism can potentiate the effects of a psychophysical stressor, and that this interaction can be modulated pharmacologically by ketamine.

The development and tailoring of a peer support program for patients with diabetes mellitus and depression in a primary health care setting in Central Uganda

BACKGROUND

About 20-40% of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) suffer from depressive disorders (DD) during the course of their illness. Despite the high burden of DD among patients with DM, it is rarely identified and adequately treated at the majority of primary health care clinics in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The use of peer support to deliver components of mental health care have been suggested in resource constrained SSA, even though its acceptability have not been fully examined.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative interviews (QI) to assess the perceptions of DM patients with an experience of suffering from a DD about the acceptability of delivering peer support to patients with comorbid DM and DD. We then trained them to deliver peer support to DM patients who were newly diagnosed with DD. We identified challenges and potential barriers to a successful implementation of peer support, and generated solutions to these barriers.

RESULTS

Participants reported that for one to be a peer, they need to be mature in age, consistently attend the clinics/keep appointments, and not to be suffering from any active physical or co-morbid mental or substance abuse disorder. Participants anticipated that the major barrier to the delivery of peer support would be high attrition rates as a result of the difficulty by DM patients in accessing the health care facility due to financial constraints. A potential solution to this barrier was having peer support sessions coinciding with the return date to hospital. Peers reported that the content of the intervention should mainly be about the fact that DM was a chronic medical condition for which there was need to adhere to lifelong treatment. There was consensus that peer support would be acceptable to the patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that a peer support program is an acceptable means of delivering adjunct care to support treatment adherence and management, especially in settings where there are severe staff shortages and psycho-education may not be routinely delivered.

Interaction Between Depression, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes: A Complex Picture

Depression plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, its relevance is frequently unrecognized by clinicians and researchers. The purpose of this review is to present a critical analysis of the evidence linking depression and metabolic disorders and to highlight the practical implications of this complex relationship. Evidence obtained from epidemiological, basic, clinical and controlled studies demonstrate that the association goes beyond a random phenomenon. Epidemiological studies have rendered controversial results due to the lack of control of the confounding variables and the bidirectional relationship that exists between the outcomes and the conditions that modulate the association (i.e. socioeconomic status). Animal and human studies have been useful to define the anatomic substrates and physiologic processes that participate in the association, but, the evidence is preliminary in many areas (i.e gene × environmental interactions). Controlled studies have shown the strong impact that treatment of depression has on body weight and the large effect that has the correction of excess body weight on the depression-related symptoms. Practical implications of the depression-obesity duet include the training of the health providers to assess and treat these conditions in a concomitant manner, the need for translational medicine projects and the application the systems biology approach to fill the existing gaps of knowledge.

Jiangzhi Capsule improves fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats: Association with repair of the impaired sarcolemmal glucose transporter-4 recycling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiangzhi Capsule, originated from an experienced formula in traditional Chinese Medicine, has been listed and used for the management of metabolic abnormalities in Australia for a long time. To better understand Jiangzhi Capsule, this study investigated its effect on insulin resistance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male rats were treated with liquid fructose in their drinking water over 14 weeks. Jiangzhi Capsule was co-administered (once daily, by oral gavage) during the last 7 weeks. Indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically, by ELISA and/or histologically. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Treatment with Jiangzhi Capsule (100mg/kg) attenuated fructose overconsumption-induced increases in basal plasma insulin concentrations, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and the adipose tissue insulin resistance index in rats. The increased plasma glucose concentrations during oral glucose tolerance test were also inhibited. Furthermore, Jiangzhi Capsule had a trend to attenuate the decreased ratios of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids to plasma insulin concentrations. Mechanistically, this insulin-sensitizing action was accompanied by normalization of the downregulated sarcolemmal glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 protein expression and the decreased phosphorylated Akt to total Akt protein ratio in gastrocnemius.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Jiangzhi Capsule ameliorates fructose-induced insulin resistance with a link to repair of the impaired sarcolemmal GLUT-4 recycling through modulation of the ratio of phosphorylated Akt to total Akt in gastrocnemius. Our findings provide an evidence-based and mechanistic understanding of Jiangzhi Capsule for the management of insulin resistance-associated disorders.

The interface of depression and obesity

Depression and obesity are both highly prevalent and are leading public health problems. These foregoing disorders independently have great impact on morbidity and mortality affecting patients' health and well-being as well as on the socioeconomic aspect of functional impairment and healthcare expenditure. Results from epidemiological studies, clinical trials and recent meta-analyses support the association between mood disorders and obesity as both frequently co-occur in all races of populations examined. It is now well-established through longitudinal studies that obesity is a risk factor for mood disorders and vice versa. In the current review, we aim to address the evidence regarding 4 questions: (1) does obesity moderate response to antidepressants among patients with depressive disorders?, (2) does the presence of depressive disorders moderate the progression or outcome of obesity?, (3) does treatment of obesity moderate outcomes among patients with depressive disorders?, and (4) does treatment of depressive disorders moderate outcomes of obesity? In order to improve the interpretability of the results we confined the evaluations to studies where patients met the criteria for depressive disorders or obesity (i.e. BMI>30). Extant evidence supports the association between obesity and adverse health outcomes among individuals with depressive disorders. In addition, the treatment of one condition (i.e. obesity or depressive disorders) appears to improve the course of the other condition. It might be beneficial to check for the other condition in patients presenting with one condition and treatment should be administered to treat both conditions.

Treatment with Rhodiola crenulata root extract ameliorates insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats by modulating sarcolemmal and intracellular fatty acid translocase/CD36 redistribution in skeletal muscle

Background

Rhodiola species have been used for asthenia, depression, fatigue, poor work performance and cardiovascular diseases, all of which may be associated with insulin resistance. To disclose the underlying mechanisms of action, the effect of Rhodiola crenulata root (RCR) on insulin resistance was investigated.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with liquid fructose in their drinking water over 18 weeks. The extract of RCR was co-administered (once daily by oral gavage) during the last 5 weeks. The indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically and/or by ELISA. Gene expression was analyzed by Real-time PCR, Western blot and/or confocal immunofluorescence.

Results

RCR extract (50 mg/kg) suppressed fructose-induced hyperinsulinemia and the increases in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and the adipose tissue insulin resistance index in rats. Additionally, this treatment had a trend to restore the ratios of glucose to insulin and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) to insulin. Mechanistically, RCR suppressed fructose-induced acceleration of the clearance of plasma NEFA during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and decreased triglyceride content and Oil Red O staining area in the gastrocnemius. Furthermore, RCR restored fructose-induced sarcolemmal overexpression and intracellular less distribution of fatty acid translocase/CD36 that contributes to etiology of insulin resistance by facilitating fatty acid uptake.

Conclusion

These results suggest that RCR ameliorates insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats by modulating sarcolemmal and intracellular CD36 redistribution in the skeletal muscle. Our findings may provide a better understanding of the traditional use of Rhodila species.

Depressive symptoms linked to 1-h plasma glucose concentrations during the oral glucose tolerance test in men and women with the metabolic syndrome

AIMS

The addition of the 1-h plasma glucose concentration measure from an oral glucose tolerance test to prediction models of future Type 2 diabetes has shown to significantly strengthen their predictive power. The present study examined the relationship between severity of depressive symptoms and hyperglycaemia, focusing on the 1-h glucose concentration vs. fasting and 2-h glucose measures from the oral glucose tolerance test.

METHODS

Participants included 140 adults with the metabolic syndrome and without diabetes who completed a baseline psychobiological assessment and a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test, with measurements taken every 30 min. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

Multivariate linear regression revealed that higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of 1-h plasma glucose concentrations after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, antidepressant use and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Results were maintained after controlling for fasting glucose as well as for indices of insulin resistance and secretion. Neither fasting nor 2-h plasma glucose concentrations were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated depressive symptoms in persons with the metabolic syndrome were associated with greater glycaemic excursion 1-h following a glucose load that was not accounted for by differences in insulin secretory function or insulin sensitivity. Consistent with previous findings, this study highlights the value of the 1-h plasma glucose measurement from the oral glucose tolerance test in the relation between depressive symptoms and glucose metabolism as an indicator of metabolic abnormalities not visible when focusing on fasting and 2-h post-oral glucose tolerance test measurements alone.

Depression and type 2 diabetes: a causal association?

There is a controversy regarding whether depression and type 2 diabetes are causally linked. To assess this issue, we review key findings for the association between depression and diabetes, and its underlying mechanisms. Findings from meta-analyses of cohort studies show a modestly sized bidirectional association between depression and type 2 diabetes (ie, depression predicts diabetes onset and diabetes predicts future depression). However, depression-related biological alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis and the sympathetic nervous system, and subclinical inflammation, are not consistently linked with increased diabetes risk. The evidence for an association between depression and glycaemic traits (eg, glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion) is also mixed. Diabetes increases the risk of depression to the same extent as do other chronic disorders (eg, cardiac diseases, osteoarthritis, lung disease, and poor hearing). At present, the available evidence suggests that pathophysiological changes preceding the onset of type 2 diabetes might not cause depression, nor might depression directly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Despite insufficient robust causal evidence, treating physicians should be aware of the co-occurrence of depression and type 2 diabetes.

State of the science: depression and type 2 diabetes

Depression is a significant comorbid condition in diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are 2 times more likely to experience depression or elevated depressive symptoms compared to those without T2DM. The aims of this state of the science review were to summarize the putative links between diabetes and depression and review empirically supported treatments of depression in diabetes. Findings suggest that a bidirectional association between depression and T2DM exists and that several biological and psychosocial mediators underlie these conditions. Available data indicate that conventional treatments (antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and collaborative care) reduce depression and symptoms of depression; however more controlled studies and development of novel therapies are needed. Glycemic outcomes have most frequently been examined, but findings have been mixed. Self-care and adherence outcomes have been less well studied. Emerging evidence suggests that these outcomes may be important targets for future depression research in T2DM.

Is depression associated with glucose tolerance abnormality in pregnant women? A cross-sectonal study

This study aims to examine the association between glucose tolerance abnormality and depression and anxiety in pregnant women. One hundred and sixty-seven women with gestational ages ranging from 24 to 28 weeks were screened with the 50 g oral glucose challenge test. All participants were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The rate of depression was higher in women with abnormal glucose results (44.3%) than in women with normal glucose results (21.7%). Similarly, depressed women had higher glucose levels than non-depressed women. Findings suggest that depression and anxiety may be associated with glucose tolerance abnormality in pregnant women.

Depressed mood, glycaemic control and functional capacity in overweight/obese men with and without type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there were differences in depressed mood between overweight/obese men with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to examine any associations between depressed mood, physical functioning, and glycaemic control in overweight/obese men with and without T2DM.

METHODS

Fifty seven overweight/obese men with (n = 19, age = 54.2 ± 7.4 yrs, BMI = 32.3 ± 6.7 kg⋅m-2) and without T2DM (n = 38, age = 51.1 ± 6.8 yrs, BMI = 29.9 ± 4.5kg⋅m-2, p > 0.05 between groups) participated. The men completed measures of depressed mood and health-related quality of life (HRQL) and underwent the following assessments: fasting blood lipids and glucose, HbA1c, anthropometric measurements, VO2peak, muscle strength, and physical function.

RESULTS

Compared to men without T2DM, men with T2DM had higher depressed mood (p = 0.05, η2 = 0.07), as well as lower perceived general health (p < .01, η2 = 0.24) and social functioning (p = .01, η2 = 0.10). Men with T2DM also had lower VO2peak (21.8 ± 5.3 versus 25.8 ± 5.4 ml⋅kg-1⋅min-1, p < .01, η2 = 0.11) and muscle strength (3.3 ± 0.8 versus 3.7 ± 0.7 kg⋅kg-1, p = 0.08, η2 = 0.06), as well as being slower to complete physical performance tasks (27.2 ± 5.2 versus 24.2 ± 2.8 sec, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.13). In those with T2DM, depressed mood was highly correlated with most HRQL subscales. For the combined cohort, depressed mood was correlated with fasting glucose (r = 0.31, p = 0.012) but not the functional measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with T2DM have higher levels of depressed mood compared to men without T2DM. Glycaemic control, but not functional capacities, is associated with depressed mood in the study cohort.

Weight gain and glucose dysregulation with second-generation antipsychotics and antidepressants: a review for primary care physicians

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAPs) and second-generation antidepressants (SGADs) have multiple US Food and Drug Administration-approved indications and are frequently prescribed by primary care physicians. We review the relative potential of these drugs to cause weight gain and glucose dysregulation, and offer clinical guidance to minimize and manage this risk. Among SGAPs, clozapine and olanzapine have a high risk for causing weight gain and glucose dysregulation; iloperidone, paliperidone, quetiapine, and risperidone have a medium risk; and aripiprazole, asenapine, lurasidone, and ziprasidone have a low risk. Young, drug-naïve patients are particularly vulnerable to weight gain associated with SGAPs. With the exception of clozapine, SGAPs have modest differences in their efficacy; however, their side effect profiles may influence selection. Using SGAPs with high metabolic liability conservatively and limiting their off-label use are important means to minimize risk. Patients should be screened before initiating any SGAP (or any antipsychotic medication) and monitored subsequently following standard guidelines, such as those provided by the American Diabetes Association. Healthy lifestyle counseling should be offered to all patients. Patients showing evidence of significant weight gain should be switched to an SGAP with a lower metabolic liability. Metformin may have some utility in young patients with limited exposure to antipsychotic drugs if lifestyle interventions fail and switching the SGAP is not an option. This option should be tried sooner than later for the best possible result. For SGADs, paroxetine and mirtazapine are associated with weight gain, and bupropion may cause modest weight loss. Other SGADs are mostly weight neutral, but individual variations may occur. Depression is associated with weight change and is a risk factor for glucose dysregulation. Treatment of depression improves glucose metabolism. We recommend that all patients taking SGADs be screened using anthropometric measures and metabolic assessment at baseline. Monitoring should be guided individually based on weight gain and other risk factors.

Psychiatric disorders presenting in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major health problems of the elderly. Developed countries face an epidemic of Type 2 DM. Healthcare providers should be aware of the frequent coexistence of psychiatric conditions in elderly patients with DM. Dementia, depression, and anxiety are commonly seen in addition to other psychiatric conditions. The relationship between diabetes and psychiatric disorders is complex. Evidence suggests that common mechanisms may play a role in both the pathogenesis of DM and several psychiatric illnesses. Possible mechanisms, diagnosis, and management options are reviewed and discussed. Common mechanisms of psychiatric illness involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin resistance, and inflammatory cytokines are throwing new light that these psychiatric illnesses could be due to the complications of Type 2 DM. Periodic screening should be done in DM patients to identify the psychiatric complications. Healthcare professionals should routinely screen for psychiatric complications of DM in addition to the microvascular and macrovascular complications of DM. It is important to screen all diabetic elderly patients for mental health issues as these may interfere with self-care and the overall management of DM. Recognition and management of psychiatric disorders will help to optimize the diabetes management. Good diabetes control can also reduce the mental health complications in these patients.

Rhodiola crenulata root ameliorates derangements of glucose and lipid metabolism in a rat model of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhodiola species are traditionally used as tonics and stimulants to treat asthenia, suggesting their possible regulatory effect on energy metabolism. Clinical trials have demonstrated their glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the effects of Rhodiola on glucose and lipid metabolism in the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were treated with Rhodiola crenulata root (RCR) powder (100 and 500 mg/kg, by gavage, once daily for 4 weeks). In addition, the effects of RCR on sucrose-induced acute hyperglycemia in mice and olive oil-induced hypertriglyceridemia in rats were also examined. Biochemical variables were determined enzymatically or by ELISA.

RESULTS

In ZDF rats, RCR treatment decreased the increased plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations at baseline, the index of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and excessive hepatic triglyceride accumulation. This treatment also inhibited abnormal increases in plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during oral glucose tolerance test. Furthermore, RCR reversed the increased adipose insulin resistance index, and accelerated the decline of plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids after exogenous glucose stimulation. However, RCR minimally affected sucrose-induced acute hyperglycemia in mice and olive oil-induced acute hypertriglyceridemia in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results demonstrate that RCR treatment improves metabolic derangements in animal model of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Our findings may provide new pharmacological basis of therapeutics for the adaptogenic plants to treat metabolic derangements-associated disorders, such as asthenia.

Keys to successful diabetes self-management for uninsured patients: social support, observational learning, and turning points: a safety net providers' strategic alliance study

OBJECTIVE

To examine how medically uninsured patients who receive health care at federally qualified health centers and free clinics are able to successfully self-manage diabetes compared to patients who are less successful.

METHODS

Two distinct groups of patients with diabetes for 6 months or longer were enrolled: (1) successful, defined as those with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7% or less or a recent improvement of at least 2% (n=17); and (2) unsuccessful, defined as patients with HbAlc of at least 9% (n=9) and without recent improvement. Patients were interviewed about enabling factors, motivators, resources, and barriers to diabetes self-management. Data from interviews, chart reviews, and clinician surveys were analyzed using qualitative methods and statistical techniques.

RESULTS

African Americans comprised 57.7% of the sample and whites 38.5% (N=26). No significant differences were detected between successful and unsuccessful groups in age, race, education, or employment status. Clinicians rated unsuccessful patients as having more severe diabetes and significantly lower levels of control than successful patients. Compared to unsuccessful patients, successful patients more often reported having friends or family with diabetes, more frequently sought information about the disease, used evidence-based self-management strategies, held more accurate perceptions of their own diabetes control, and experienced "turning point" events that motivated increased efforts in disease management.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who successfully managed diabetes learned from diabetic family members and interpreted disease-related events as motivational turning points. It may be beneficial to incorporate social learning and motivational enhancement into diabetes interventions to increase patients' motivation for improved levels of self-management.

Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction in the Middle East: Observational Analysis of Patients with Diabetes and/or Hypertension Treated in the Clinical Practice Setting

The effectiveness and tolerability of 12 weeks of open-label treatment with sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension were assessed in clinical practice in three Middle Eastern countries. The dose was initially 50 mg and was adjusted by the physician as needed (permissible dose range 25 – 100 mg). Total mean ± SD score on the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (severe ED, score 0 – 7; no ED, score 22 – 25) was 13.6 ± 5.7 at baseline (4556 patients) and increased significantly to 21.7 ± 4.1 at week 12. Global effectiveness was rated as good or very good by 91.4% of patients, 93.9% rating their sexual activity as spontaneous and 91.4% as natural. Discontinuation of sildenafil due to adverse events was infrequent (0.5%). Tolerability was rated as good or very good by 95.7% of patients. It is concluded that sildenafil was a well-tolerated and highly effective treatment of ED in outpatients with diabetes and/or hypertension from the three Middle Eastern countries studied.

Implementation of a lifestyle program in primary care by nurse practitioners

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation process and participant satisfaction with a lifestyle program provided by nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care to adults at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to enhanced standard care.

DATA SOURCES

A mixed-method clinical trial design was used (n= 58). NPs were interviewed prior to beginning the program, at 3 months, and at completion of the program. NPs also completed a questionnaire on lifestyle counseling at baseline. Process data were collected on attendance, attrition, and intervention fidelity. Participants completed a satisfaction survey at completion of the program and a sub-sample were interviewed at the end of the program.

CONCLUSIONS

NPs reported that they felt well-prepared and moderately effective in providing lifestyle change counseling. Participant attendance was high and in-person sessions were implemented with good success. Participants in the lifestyle program were more satisfied with the program, reporting that the program was a good experience.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Implementation of a lifestyle program to prevent T2D in primary care is feasible and acceptable to NPs and participants. Developing a structured program may improve health outcomes.

Depression in cancer patients

Primary care clinicians who care for cancer patients are integral to the recognition, diagnosis, and management of depression in this population. A review of risk factors that may make patients more likely to develop depression can be a useful first step in screening for depression. Several screening instruments may guide clinicians in further work-up of patients suspected of being depressed. Depression is treatable in this patient population and prompt management may have a positive impact on overall outcomes. Pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment options are numerous, and consideration of specific cancer treatments, including side-effect profiles, patient comorbidity, patient preference, and clinician resources, should direct management.