The effects of depression on metabolic control and quality of life in indigent patients with type 2 diabetes

Increased Levels of HbA1c in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes and Depression: A Meta-Analysis of 34 Studies with 68,398 Participants

Glycosylated hemoglobin is used to diagnose type 2 diabetes mellitus and assess metabolic control. Depression itself has been associated with high levels of HbA1c in individuals with T2DM. The association between diabetes and depression suggests the usefulness of determining HbA1c as a biological marker of depressive symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine HbA1c levels in individuals with T2DM with vs. without depression. Additionally, we analyzed the influence of pharmacological treatments, time of evolution, and complications of disease. We performed a literature search in different databases published up to January 2020. A total of 34 articles were included. Our results showed that individuals with T2DM with depression showed increased levels of HbA1c in comparison to individuals with T2DM without depression (d = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.12−0.29, p(Z) < 0.001; I2 = 85.00). We also found that HbA1c levels remained elevated in individuals with T2DM with depression who were taking hypoglycemic drugs (d = 0.20 95% CI: 0.11−0.30, p(Z) < 0.001; I2 = 86.80), in individuals with less than 10 years of evolution (d = 0.17 95% CI: 0.09−0.26, p(Z) = 0.001; I2 = 66.03) and in individuals with complications of the disease (d = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07−0.26, p(Z) < 0.001; I2 = 58.41). Our results show that HbA1c levels in individuals with T2DM with depression are significantly increased compared to controls with T2DM without depression. Additionally, these levels remained elevated in individuals who were taking hypoglycemic drugs, those with less than 10 years of disease evolution, and those with complications related to diabetes. It is necessary to examine the existence of a diabetes−HbA1c−depression connection.

Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms on the Association Between Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Quality of Life in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PURPOSE

Few studies have explored the association between neighborhood social cohesion (NSC), a type of social capital, and the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, the potential mechanism for this association remains unclear. The current study examined the mediation effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between NSC and quality of life among diabetes patients in China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1747 T2DM patients was conducted. The specific quality of life (DSQL), Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression (CES-D), and social capital scales were administered using a face-to-face survey. Partial correlation analysis and a linear regression model were employed to explore the relationship between NSC, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Bootstrap analysis using PROCESS was used to test the mediation model.

RESULTS

After controlling for covariates, NSC was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (r=-0.24, P<0.01) and DSQL score (r=-0.20, P<0.01) while depressive symptoms were positively correlated with DSQL score (r=0.46, P<0.01). Linear regression analysis also found that NSC was negatively associated with the DSQL score, while depressive symptoms were positively associated with the DSQL score. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between NSC and quality of life in T2DM patients (explaining 50.7% of the total variance).

CONCLUSION

NSC was positively associated with improved quality of life among Chinese T2DM patients in this study, and depressive symptoms were likely to partially explain this relationship. These findings may be used to help maintain a good quality of life among at-risk individuals. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Influences of Demographic, Social Determinants, Clinical, Knowledge, and Self-Care Factors on Quality of Life in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: Black-White Differences

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated racial differences in the contribution of demographic, social determinants, clinical, and self-care factors on quality of life (QOL) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A total of 615 adults with T2DM in Southeastern United States were recruited. Linear regression models were used to assess the contribution of demographic, social determinants, clinical, and self-care factors on the mental (MCS) and physical components (PCS) of QOL, after stratifying by race.

RESULTS

For the entire sample, there were significant relationships between PCS and psychological distress (β = 0.02, p < 0.01), neighborhood aesthetics (β = 0.05, p < 0.01), neighborhood walking environment (β = -0.02, p < 0.05), access to healthy food (β = 0.01, p < 0.05), neighborhood crime (β = -0.15, p < 0.05), and neighborhood comparison (β = 0.13, p < 0.05); and MCS and depression (β = -0.06, p < 0.05), psychological distress (β = -0.09, p < 0.001), perceived stress (β = -0.12, p < 0.01), and perceived health status (β = -0.33, p < 0.01). In the regression models stratified by race, notable differences existed in the association between PCS, MCS, and demographic, psychosocial, built environment, and clinical factors among Whites and Blacks, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this sample, there were racial differences in demographic, social determinants, built environment, and clinical factors associated with PCS and MCS components of QOL. Interventions may need to be tailored by race or ethnicity to improve quality of life in adults with T2DM.

Association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Self-care behaviors in people living with type 2 diabetes are important to achieving optimal glycemic control. Major depression in type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased adherence to self-care behaviors. The association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors, however, has not previously been systematically reviewed. The objective of this review is to determine the association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in five electronic databases that included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Emcare, and CINAHL. Any observational studies in adults with type 2 diabetes, investigating the association between subthreshold depression and any self-care behaviors, were included in the review. Qualitative studies, review articles, and gray literature were excluded. Two reviewers independently completed the title and abstract and full-text screening, appraised the study quality, and extracted the data. A third reviewer resolved any discrepancies between the reviewers if needed. Included articles were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Meta-analyses were not conducted because criteria for conducting such analyses were not met.

RESULTS

A total of 6408 articles were identified through the database searching. After the abstract and full-text review, two articles met the inclusion criteria. One of the included study was cross-sectional while the other was a longitudinal study. Both studies showed inconsistent findings in the association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors. Important risks of bias were identified in the included studies.

DISCUSSION

The evidence from the two included studies on a possible association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors in adults with type 2 diabetes was not consistent and potentially biased. Our review established a gap in knowledge and suggests that further high-quality studies are needed to examine the association between subthreshold depression and self-care behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018116373.

[Depression and coping strategies in the elderly with type 2 diabetes]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Elderly patients with diabetes have been shown to have more diabetes-related complications, and they are more likely to develop somatic and psychiatric comorbidities including cognitive dysfunction and depression. Several studies have shown a close association between diabetes and depression. This comorbidity may lead to functional disability and quality of life deterioration. Thus, the elderly will face various constraints through the coping strategies. In this context, we conducted our study to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly patients with diabetes as well as its associated factors, and to investigate their coping strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study among 50 elderly patients (age≥65 years) being followed for type 2 diabetes at the outpatient department for chronic diseases of the Regional Hospital of Aguereb, Sfax, Tunisia. We used the "Activity of Daily Living" to assess the dependence level, the "Geriatric Depression Scale" to screen for depressive symptoms, and the "Brief Coping with Problems Experienced" to investigate the coping strategies.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 73.3 years, with a sex-ratio (M/F) of 0.62. Smoking and alcohol consumption were reported respectively in 20% and 4% of participants. The mean duration of diabetes was 7.7 years. Diabetes complications were noted in 70% of participants. Somatic comorbidities were noted in 94% of cases (hypertension 84%; dyslipidemia 34%). Psychiatric histories were reported in 18% of patients who suffered from anxio-depressive symptoms. No patient among those with mental disorder histories benefited from any psychiatric management prior to the study. Three patients (6%) had previously presented suicidal ideations but none of them had attempted suicide. The mean "Activity of Daily Living" score was 4.9 points. Patients were autonomous in 28%, and dependent in 4% of cases. The mean "Geriatric Depression Scale" score was 9.8 points. According to this scale, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 34%. They were correlated with: smoking (P=0.04), psychiatric histories (P=0.031), absence of leisure activity (P=0.035), "Activity of Daily Living" score (P=0.028), long duration of diabetes (P=0.04) and the presence of suicidal ideation (P=0.013). According to the « Brief Coping with Problems Experienced », the problem-focused coping strategies were the most frequently used (44%), followed by emotion-focused (38%) and passive strategies (18%). Participants with depressive symptoms are significantly more likely to adopt emotion-focused coping strategies (P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlighted a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among elderly patients with diabetes. This relationship seems to be bi-directional and may increase somatic complications and alter the quality of life, and then darken the prognosis. Thus, besides pharmacological treatment, regular depression screening and psychological support are essential to ensure a better control of diabetes and to improve well-being.

Functional health status of adults with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus: A latent profile analysis

OBJECTIVE

Adults with serious mental illness are at increased risk for diabetes mellitus and diabetes-related complications. This article classifies subgroups among people with serious mental illness and comorbid diabetes with respect to functional status and examines differences among those groups.

METHODS

This analysis used a baseline sample of 157 adults with serious mental illness and diabetes mellitus enrolled in a National Institute of Health-funded research study. Latent profile analysis was used to distinguish health status profiles and investigate how these subgroups differed across assessment domains.

RESULTS

Participants with depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (n = 157) were included in the study. Mean age was 52.9 years (standard deviation = 9.8), and 62 (40%) were African American. From the latent profile analysis, a three-class model appeared to provide the best fit. Class 1 (34.9%) had a very low functional health status approximately two standard deviations below the general population mean. Class 2 (43.7%) had a low functional status approximately one standard deviation below the general mean. Class 3 (21.4%) had moderate functional status with scores near population mean. Groups differed on measures of personal characteristics, clinical status and symptom severity, self-care behaviors, and environmental characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Although individuals with schizophrenia generally have poor prognosis once they develop diabetes, latent profile analysis identified distinct health status subgroups. Although all three groups demonstrated illness burden, the pattern of differences between these groups across measures may suggest the need for different interventions for highly diverse adults who received care within safety-net primary care.

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression among type 2 diabetes in Qassim: A descriptive cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and to identify their associated risk factors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, single-centre study that included 300 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted at The Diabetic Center of King Saud Hospital in the Qassim region. Anxiety and depression were measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariable analysis using multiple logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of various factors associated with anxiety and depression, adjusting for confounding variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 43.6% (95% CI: 37.9-49.3%) and 34.8% (95% CI: 29-40%) of the participants experienced anxiety and depression, respectively. Anxiety was more common among patients who had poor social support (OR 5.35, P 0.001). Anxiety was less common among retired people (OR 0.36, P 0.048) and those having diabetes for more than ten years (OR 0.39, P 0.006). In contrast, depression was more common among patients who had received moderate (OR 2.47, P 0.031) or low social support (OR 6.62, P 0.000) but less common among those having diabetes for more than ten years (OR 0.44, P 0.022).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression is high among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These results should alert clinicians to identify and treat anxiety and depression as part of multidisciplinary diabetes care. Larger community-based studies are needed to identify the magnitude of these problems and their related factors.

Depression and serum low-density lipoprotein: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A cross-sectional association between depression and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been noted in the literature. This study aims to employ meta-analytic techniques to clarify the relationship between depression and serum LDL.

METHODS

Published articles through April 2015 were identified through systematic query of PubMed with follow-up manual searches. Data from 36 studies reporting mean difference and 7 studies reporting odds ratios were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of studies modeling serum LDL as a continuous measure demonstrates overall significantly lower serum LDL in depression (Mean difference=-4.29, 95% CI=-8.19, -0.40, p=0.03). Meta-analysis of studies modeling serum LDL as a categorical measure demonstrates a marginally significant lower odds of depression in the presence of low serum LDL relative to high serum LDL (OR=0.90, 95% CI=0.80, 1.01, p=0.08).

LIMITATIONS

High heterogeneity was noted across sampled studies, which may be a function of variations in study design, participants sampled, or other factors. The potential for publication bias was also assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates a cross-sectional link between depression and low serum LDL.

Depression treatment and health-related quality of life among adults with diabetes and depression

BACKGROUND

Previous findings regarding depression treatment and its consequences on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults with diabetes were inconsistent and targeted certain groups of population. Therefore, there is a critical need to conduct a population-based study that focuses on a general population with diabetes and depression.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to examine the physical and mental HRQoL associated with depression treatment during the follow-up year.

METHODS

We adopted a longitudinal design using multiple panels (2005-2011) of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to create a baseline year and follow-up year. We included adults with diabetes and depression. We categorized the baseline depression treatment into: (1) antidepressant use only; (2) psychotherapy with or without antidepressants; and (3) no treatment. HRQOL was measured using SF-12 version 2 physical component summary (PCS) and SF-12 mental component summary (MCS) scores during both baseline year and follow-up year. Ordinary least squares (OLS) were used to estimate the association between depression treatment and the HRQoL measures. The OLS regression controlled for predisposing, enabling, need, external environment factors, personal health practices, and baseline HRQoL measures.

RESULTS

After controlling for all the independent variables and the baseline PCS, individuals who received psychotherapy with or without antidepressants had higher PCS scores as compared to those without any treatment for depression (beta = 1.28, p < 0.001). Individuals who reported using only antidepressants had lower PCS scores (beta = -0.54, p < 0.001) as compared to those without depression treatment. On the contrary, individuals who reported receiving psychotherapy with or without antidepressants had lower MCS scores as compared to those without depression treatment (beta = -1.43, p < 0.001). Those using only antidepressants had higher MCS scores as compared to those without depression treatment (beta = 0.56, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The associations between depression treatment and the HRQoL varied by the type of depression treatment and the component of the HRQoL measures.

Effects of motivational enhancement therapy plus cognitive behaviour therapy on depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in adults with type II diabetes mellitus: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy plus cognitive behavioural therapy on depressive symptoms, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting glucose, body mass index (BMI), and health-related quality of life in type II diabetes patients.

METHODS

A controlled trial was conducted to compare patients who received the behavioural intervention with untreated controls on measures of health outcomes. A total of 31 intervention group participants and 30 controls were selected from patients that met the inclusion criteria from a hospital-based endocrinology outpatient department. The outcome measures including depressive symptoms, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting glucose, BMI, and both physical and mental quality of life were collected before (T1), after (T2), and after 90 days (T3) following the intervention.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed a significant reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting glucose, and depressive symptoms and a significant increase in physical quality of life and mental quality of life at T2 and T3, while patients in the control group with usual care showed no changes over time.

CONCLUSION

The behavioural intervention facilitated a significant improvement in psychological adjustment and glycemic control, thus strengthening diabetes control skills and leading to healthy outcomes. It is feasible that nurses and psychiatrists can deliver the behavioural intervention for diabetes patients to decrease their depressive symptoms. Sharing discussion and problem-solving experiences is particularly helpful method for self-control, and these will be beneficially influential on further research.

The Effect of Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring Among Inmates With Diabetes

The increasing prevalence and risk of complications from diabetes necessitate patient participation and attentiveness to select appropriate foods, perform regular physical activity, and be active in diabetes management and self-maintenance. Diabetes is often largely asymptomatic; consequently, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary. Inmates are a unique population challenged by the increased prevalence of chronic conditions including diabetes. Diabetes standards for inmates contain diagnostic and treatment management guidelines that incorporate personal glucose monitoring for insulin users. In December 2009, the Federal Bureau of Prisons initiated a program to distribute glucose meters to insulin-dependent inmates to facilitate self-monitoring blood glucose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of these glucose meters on hemoglobin A1c levels.

Impact of social determinants of health on outcomes for type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

Social determinants of health include the social and economic conditions that influence health status. Research into the impact of social determinants on individuals with type 2 diabetes has largely focused on the prevention of or risk of developing diabetes. No review exists summarizing the impact of social determinants of health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. This systematic review examined whether social determinants of health have an impact on health outcomes in type 2 diabetes. Medline was searched for articles that (a) were published in English (b) targeted adults, ages 18 + years, (c) had a study population which was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, (d) the study was done in the United States, and (e) the study measured at least one of the outcome measures-glycemic control, cholesterol (LDL), blood pressure, quality of life or cost. Using a reproducible strategy, 2,110 articles were identified, and 61 were reviewed based on inclusion criteria. Twelve were categorized as Economic Stability and Education, 17 were categorized as Social and Community Context, 28 were categorized as Health and Health Care, and three were categorized as Neighborhood and Built Environment. Based on the studies reviewed, social determinants have an impact on glycemic control, LDL, and blood pressure to varying degrees. The impact on cost and quality of life was not often measured, but when quality of life was investigated, it did show significance. More research is needed to better characterize the direct impact of social determinants of health on health outcomes in diabetes.

Glucose Levels and Depression in Hispanic Patients Admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit

Depression is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and may worsen DM-related morbidity and mortality. We determined the potential association of glucose levels with depression in Hispanic patients admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Patients were given the Center for Epidemiologic Studies—Depression scale survey within 24 hours of admission. Glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose levels within 30 days of admission were extracted. The HbA1c levels remained significantly associated with both presence of depression and depression levels. Histories of DM, myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention as well as baseline brain natriuretic peptide levels were also significantly associated with depression levels. The presence of a significant association between glucose levels and depression in Hispanic patients indicates that there is a need for optimal management of glycemic levels. This may then lead to better health outcomes in Hispanics with cardiovascular disease.

Comparison of depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes using a two-stage survey design

OBJECTIVE

To test the validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in adults with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and compare the distribution of PHQ-9 items in those with and without Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) depression.

METHODS

A two-stage survey design was used in primary care centers (n = 96). In Stage 1, participants were administered the PHQ-9 and biopsychosocial measures. In Stage 2, PHQ-9 positives (score ≥ 10) and randomly selected PHQ-9 negatives (score <10) had a diagnostic interview, Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry 2.1. The sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristics of the PHQ-9 were calculated. The means of PHQ-9 items were compared.

RESULTS

Stage 1: Prevalence of PHQ-9 positives (completing Stage 2) was 12.1% (n = 182). PHQ-9 positives were younger (mean [standard deviation] age = 52.8 [9.47] versus 56.2 [11.50] years, p < .001) and had higher body mass index (32.7 [7.08] versus 31.6 [6.25] kg/m(2), p = .028) than PHQ-9 negatives (n = 1278). Stage 2: Prevalence of DSM-IV depression was 5.6% (n = 84). The optimal cutoff was ≥ 12 (sensitivity = 86.9%, specificity = 80.3%). PHQ-9 true positives scored significantly higher than PHQ-9 false positives on all items, excluding sleep (mean [standard deviation] score = 2.4 [0.98] versus 2.2 [1.06]), fatigue (2.5 [0.80] versus 2.3 [0.86]), and appetite (1.6 [1.23] versus 1.5 [1.26]).

CONCLUSIONS

Over-identification of depression by PHQ-9 in T2DM may be driven by presence of symptoms in keeping with an organic origin.

Study protocol of the Diabetes and Depression Study (DAD): a multi-center randomized controlled trial to compare the efficacy of a diabetes-specific cognitive behavioral group therapy versus sertraline in patients with major depression and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Depression is common in diabetes and associated with hyperglycemia, diabetes related complications and mortality. No single intervention has been identified that consistently leads to simultaneous improvement of depression and glycemic control. Our aim is to analyze the efficacy of a diabetes-specific cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBT) compared to sertraline (SER) in adults with depression and poorly controlled diabetes.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study is a multi-center parallel arm randomized controlled trial currently in its data analysis phase. We included 251 patients in 70 secondary care centers across Germany. Key inclusion criteria were: type 1 or 2 diabetes, major depression (diagnosed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, SCID) and hemoglobin A1C >7.5% despite current insulin therapy. During the initial phase, patients received either 50-200 mg/d sertraline or 10 CBT sessions aiming at the remission of depression and enhanced adherence to diabetes treatment and coping with diabetes. Both groups received diabetes treatment as usual. After 12 weeks of this initial open-label therapy, only the treatment-responders (50% depression symptoms reduction, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 17-item version [HAMD]) were included in the subsequent one year study phase and represented the primary analysis population. CBT-responders received no further treatment, while SER-responders obtained a continuous, flexible-dose SER regimen as relapse prevention. Adherence to treatment was analyzed using therapeutic drug monitoring (measurement of sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline concentrations in blood serum) and by counting the numbers of CBT sessions received. Outcome assessments were conducted by trained psychologists blinded to group assignment. Group differences in HbA1c (primary outcome) and depression (HAMD, secondary outcome) between 1-year follow-up and baseline will be analyzed by ANCOVA controlling for baseline values. As primary hypothesis we expect that CBT leads to significantly greater improvement of glycemic control in the one year follow-up in treatment responders of the short term phase.

DISCUSSION

The DAD study is the first randomized controlled trial comparing antidepressants to a psychological treatment in diabetes patients with depression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current controlled trials ISRCTN89333241.

Effect of comorbid depression on quality of life in adults with Type 2 diabetes

This review outlines the effect of depression on quality of life (QoL) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The prevalence and medical, psychological and financial burden of T2DM in the USA are briefly discussed, similar to the findings related to patients living with T2DM and depression in terms of health-related QoL. Recommendations for future research include studying mechanisms by which depression affects the QoL of T2DM patients, outlining effects of positive emotions on managing consequences of distress and depression in these patients, and developing interventions to address both depression and diabetes that minimize the treatment burden and costs for patients.

Are recommended standards for diabetes care met in Central and South America? A systematic review

AIMS

We evaluated quality of diabetes care in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) of Central and South America by documenting the ability to meet the guideline-recommended targets. We also identified barriers to achieving goals of treatment and characteristics of successful programs.

METHODS

We searched the National Library of Medicine and Embase databases to systematically compile literature that reported on guideline-recommended processes of care (annual foot, eye, urine examinations, and regular blood glucose testing) and risk factor control (glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid levels) among people with diabetes since 1980. We compared risk factor control across clinic and household populations and benchmarked against the IDF guidelines.

RESULTS

The available literature was largely from Mexico, Jamaica, and Brazil with little data from rural regions or smaller countries. Twenty-nine clinic-based and ten population-based studies showed a consistent failure to meet recommended care goals due to multiple underlying social and economic themes. Across all studies, the proportion of those not meeting targets ranged from 13.0 to 92.2% for glycemic control, 4.6 to 92.0% for blood pressure, and 28.2 to 78.3% for lipids.

CONCLUSIONS

Few studies report quality of diabetes care in LMICs of the Americas, and heterogeneity across studies limits our understanding. Greater regard for audits, use of standardized reporting methods, and an emphasis on overcoming barriers to care are required.

Psychometric and screening properties of the WHO-5 well-being index in adult outpatients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The 5-item World Health Organization well-being index is a commonly used measure of emotional well-being, but research on psychometric properties in outpatients with diabetes is scarce. We examined psychometric and screening properties for depression of this index in a large sample of Dutch outpatients with diabetes.

METHODS

Patients with Type 1 (n = 384) and Type 2 (n = 549) diabetes from three outpatient clinics completed the WHO-5 index, the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the Problem Areas in Diabetes survey and the Short Form-12 health survey. Internal consistency of the WHO-5 index was determined by Cronbach's alpha. The factor structure was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlations with the Patient Health Questionnaire, Problem Areas in Diabetes and the Short Form-12 mental component scores. Sensitivity and specificity of the WHO-5 index as depression screener were tested against two existing Patient Health Questionnaire cut-off scores for depression using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

A one-factor structure of the WHO-5 index was verified by confirmatory factor analysis for patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Moderate to strong correlations were observed between the WHO-5 index and the Patient Health Questionnaire scores, the Problem Areas in Diabetes scores and the Short Form-12 mental component scores (r = 0.55-0.69, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that a WHO-5 index cut-off of < 50 performed best as an indication for likely depression, with sensitivity compared with a Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥ 10 and ≥ 12 of 79% and 88%, respectively, and specificity of 88% and 76%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The WHO-5 index is a short, psychometrically sound measure of emotional well-being that appears suitable for use as screening test for likely depression in outpatients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence and Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Type 2 Diabetes in Tunisian Patients over Sixty Years Old

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a population aged over sixty years with type 2 diabetes and to study the impact of anxiety and depression on glycemic balance and disease outcome. Results. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in the 62 subjects included in the study was, respectively, 40.3% and 22.6%. We found a relationship between these disorders and complicated diabetes. The subjects having an imperfectly balanced diabetes had a higher average anxiety score than those having a good glycemic control (9.1 ± 4.2 versus 6.5 ± 3.1; P = 0.017). No relationship was found between diabetes balance and depression. Conclusion. Association between anxiety and depressive disorders and diabetes is frequent and worsens patients' outcome, in terms of diabetes imbalance as well as in terms of diabetic complications. Our study shows that there is need for physicians to detect, confirm, and treat anxiety and depressive disorders in elderly diabetic patients.

Depression in diabetes mellitus: a comprehensive review

Although the prevalence of a mental disorder, in general, in patients with diabetes mellitus is regarded to be comparable to the general population, an increased prevalence of depressive disorders, often comorbid with anxiety, has been reported in patients with diabetes mellitus. The co-occurrence of depression in diabetes is attributed to a variety of factors, including the psychological and psychosocial impact of the disease, a potential common genetic susceptibility and common pathophysiological abnormalities involving neuroimmunological and neuroendocrinical pathways, as well as microvascular brain lesions due to diabetes mellitus. However, issues concerning pathogenesis and causality of this high co-occurrence are not fully determined yet. Still, the presence of depression in patients with diabetes mellitus is of vast importance, as it is usually associated with poor disease control, adverse health outcomes and quality of life impairment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of epidemiological findings, clinical considerations and management strategies concerning depression in patients with diabetes mellitus.