Psychological distress, glycated hemoglobin, and mortality in adults with and without diabetes

Reduktion von diabetesbezogenem Distress bei Typ-1- und Typ-2-Diabetes durch eine kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutische Gruppenintervention

Das Stresserleben durch die Erkrankung Diabetes mellitus stellt für einen Großteil der betroffenen Personen oft eine deutliche Belastung dar, die sich negativ auf das Diabetes-Selbstmanagement und damit auf die Gesundheit der Betroffenen auswirken kann. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Evaluation einer diabetesspezifischen kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Gruppentherapie zur Reduktion des Stresserlebens, bestehend aus sechs Sitzungen für Personen mit Typ-1- oder Typ-2-Diabetes. Vermittelt wurden Techniken zur Stressbewältigung, wie Achtsamkeit und Entspannungsübungen, sowie kognitive Techniken, die auf den Alltag mit der Diabeteserkrankung und damit verbundene Gedanken und Emotionen der Teilnehmenden bezogen waren. Von 52 Personen (51,9% mit Typ-1-Diabetes, 61,5% weiblich, Alter MW= 50,4 Jahre) lagen nach Studienteilnahme Fragebögen vor. Eine signifikante Verbesserung konnte im Problem Areas In Diabetes Questionnaire (Δ6.24 [95%-KI: 1.85–10.62], p=.006), dem Perceived Stress Survey (Δ2.93 [95%-KI: 1.59–4.26], p=.000) und der Diabetes Acceptance Scale (Δ5.5 [95%-KI: 9.07–1.93], p=.003) erreicht werden. Diese erwies sich auch im Follow-Up nach sechs Monaten als stabil. Der selbstberichtete HbA1c-Wert reduzierte sich im Befragungszeitraum bei der Teilstichprobe von N= 40, von der die Daten verfügbar waren, ebenfalls signifikant (Δ0.73 [95%-KI: 0.015–1.452], p=.046). Das Gruppentherapieprogramm zur Stressreduktion kann als eine niedrigschwellige, psychotherapeutische Interventionen zur Reduktion diabetesbezogener Belastungen angesehen werden. Es könnte ein hilfreiches primär- und sekundärpräventives Angebot für stressbelastete Menschen mit Diabetes in der Standardversorgung darstellen.

Depression, diabetes, comorbid depression and diabetes and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to investigate the risks of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among participants with neither, one or both of diabetes and depression in a large prospective cohort study in the UK.

METHODS

Our study population included 499,830 UK Biobank participants without schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at baseline. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes and depression were identified using self-reported diagnoses, prescribed medication and hospital records. Mortality was identified from death records using the primary cause of death to define cause-specific mortality. We performed Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer, circulatory disease and causes of death other than circulatory disease or cancer among participants with either depression (n=41,791) or diabetes (n=22,677) alone and with comorbid diabetes and depression (n=3597) compared with the group with neither condition (n=431,765), adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, comorbidities and history of CVD or cancer. We also investigated the interaction between diabetes and depression.

RESULTS

During a median of 6.8 (IQR 6.1-7.5) years of follow-up, there were 13,724 deaths (cancer, n=7976; circulatory disease, n=2827; other causes, n=2921). Adjusted HRs of all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer, circulatory disease and other causes were highest among people with comorbid depression and diabetes (HRs 2.16 [95% CI 1.94, 2.42]; 1.62 [95% CI 1.35, 1.93]; 2.22 [95% CI 1.80, 2.73]; and 3.60 [95% CI 2.93, 4.42], respectively). The risks of all-cause, cancer and other mortality among those with comorbid depression and diabetes exceeded the sum of the risks due to diabetes and depression alone.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

We confirmed that depression and diabetes individually are associated with an increased mortality risk and also identified that comorbid depression and diabetes have synergistic effects on the risk of all-cause mortality that are largely driven by deaths from cancer and causes other than circulatory disease and cancer.

Barriers Associated with Access to Prescription Medications in Patients Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated at Federally Qualified Health Centers

This study describes access to prescription medications and examines personal, financial, and structural barriers associated with access to prescription medications in patients with type 2 diabetes treated at Federally Qualified Health Centers. We used a cross-sectional design to analyze data retrieved from the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey. Adult participants who self-reported having type 2 diabetes were included in this study. Predictor variables were categorized into personal, financial, and structural barriers. Outcomes include being unable to get and delayed in getting prescription medications. Chi-square and multivariable regression models were conducted to examine associations between predictor and outcome variables. A total of 1097 participants with type 2 diabetes were included in analyses. Approximately 29% of participants were delayed, and 24% were unable to get medications. Multivariable regression results showed that personal barriers, such as federal poverty level, health status, and psychological distress were associated with being unable to get medications. Financial barriers including out-of-pocket medication cost and employment were associated with access to prescription medications. Type of health center funding program as a structural barrier was associated with access to medications. In conclusion, multi-level tailored strategies and policy changes are needed to address these barriers to improve access to prescription medications and health outcomes in underserved patient populations.

Depression and Associated Risk Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross Sectional Study on a Convenience Sample from the Diabetic Center, Khamis Mushait; Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Studies had confirmed that diabetic patients have a greater risk for developing depression. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence and predictors of depression among type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study at the Diabetic Center, Armed Forces Hospital-Southern Region (AFHSR), Khamis Mushait was conducted in the period from March to June 2017. The study includes a convenience sample of type 2 diabetic patients. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized. It consists of personal characteristics, diabetes-related information's, and the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Proper statistical analyses were done to assess the significance of the correlates with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

The study included 350 diabetic patients out of 410 with a response rate of 85.4%. Their age ranged between 28 and 100 years with a mean ±SD of 61.4±13 years. The prevalence of depression among them was 36.6%. Logistic regression revealed that patients older than 50 years were at lower risk for developing depression as compared to those aged between 28 and 40 years OR and 95% CI were 0.21 (0.08-0.57), 0.30 (0.12-0.78) and 0.33 (0.12-0.91) for patients in the age groups 51-60, 61-70 and > 70 years, respectively. Diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction, neuropathy, those treated with insulin, and noncompliant patients were at double risk for developing depression compared to their counterparts (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.20-4.27, p = 0.012); (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.22-4.53, p = 0.011); (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.08-3.40, p = 0.026); (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.01-4.53, p = 0.047) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Almost one third of type 2 diabetic patients were depressed. Younger patients, having comorbid thyroid disorders or neuropathy, those treated with insulin and noncompliant patients were at higher risk for developing depression. Proper screening and treatment of depression is a crucial part of the health care management of diabetic people.

Changes over Time in Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) Levels Predict Long-Term Survival Following Acute Myocardial Infarction among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Frequent fluctuations of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) values predict patient outcomes. However, data regarding prognoses depending on the long-term changes in HbA1C among patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are scarce. We evaluated the prognostic significance of HbA1C levels and changes among diabetic patients (n = 4066) after non-fatal AMI. All the results of HbA1C tests up to the 10-year follow-up were obtained. The changes (∆) of HbA1C were calculated in each patient. The time intervals of ∆HbA1C values were classified as rapid ( Collapse

Key Words

• acute myocardial infarction
• diabetes mellitus
• hemoglobin A1c
• mortality
• prognosis

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Ygal Plakht Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel Department of Emergency Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel
Harel Gilutz Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
Arthur Shiyovich Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;

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Psychological Distress and All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer Mortality Among Adults with and without Diabetes

Aim

To examine the association of psychological distress with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality in US adults, and verified whether the associations differed between participants with and without diabetes.

Methods

A total of 485,864 adults (446,288 without diabetes and 39,576 with diabetes) who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 1997 to 2013 were linked to the National Death Index through December 31, 2015. Psychological distress was measured by the Kessler 6 distress scale (K6). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between psychological distress and mortality.

Results

We ascertained 11,746 deaths (mean follow-up, 7. 7 years) among people with diabetes and 51,636 deaths (9.9 years) among those without diabetes. Psychological distress was associated with higher all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Compared to non-diabetic adults without psychological distress, HRs (95% CI) were 1.07 (1.04 to 1.09) for mild, 1.26 (1.22 to 1.30) for moderate and 1.46 (1.38 to 1.55) for severe psychological distress. Compared to the same reference group, in diabetic participants the HRs were 1.39 (1.33 to 1.44) for no psychological distress, 1.59 (1.53 to 1.66) for mild, 1.90 (1.80 to 2.00) for moderate and 1.98 (1.82 to 2.17) for severe psychological distress. Similar associations were also observed for CVD and cancer mortality but with non-statistically significant interaction.

Conclusion

Psychological distress was associated with higher mortality, particularly in participants with diabetes. Strategies to ameliorate psychological distress may be important to reduce mortality in this population.

Chronic Inflammation Mediates the Association between Cortisol and Hyperglycemia: Findings from the Cross-Sectional Population-Based KORA Age Study

(1) Background: The study aimed to investigate the role of subclinical inflammation on the association between diurnal cortisol patterns and glycaemia in an aged population. (2) Methods: Salivary cortisol, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were analysed in a sample of 394 men and 364 women (mean age = 5 ± 6.3, 65–90 years). The ratio of morning after awakening and late-night cortisol was calculated as an indication of diurnal cortisol slope (DCS). Multivariable regression models were run to examine whether IL-6 mediates the relationship between the DCS and glycaemia. The Sobel test and bootstrapping methods were used to quantify the mediation analyses. (3) Results: In comparison to normoglycaemic counterparts (n = 676, 89.2%), an increase in IL-6 concentrations, in individuals with hyperglycaemia (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) (n = 82, 10.8%) (p = 0.04), was significantly associated with a flatter DCS. The link between flatter DCS and elevated HbA1c level was significant mediated by a heightened IL-6 level. Our results do not suggest reverse-directionality, whereby cortisol did not mediate the association of IL-6 with HbA1c. (4) Conclusions: In our sample, the relation between flatter DCS and hyperglycaemia was partly explained by IL-6 levels. The paradigm of subclinical inflammation-mediated cortisol response on glucose metabolism could have widespread implications for improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Prevalence and Correlates of Positive Mental Health Among Canadian Adults With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes: Results From the Canadian Community Health Survey---Mental Health

OBJECTIVES

Current definitions of mental health are no longer limited to presence or absence of mental illness. Although dimensions of mental illness have been well studied among people with diabetes, little is known about positive mental health. Optimal positive mental health is referred to as "flourishing" and is characterized by happiness, psychological well-being and social well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of flourishing mental health among Canadian adults diagnosed with diabetes.

METHODS

Data came from participants >19 years of age in the Canadian Community Health Survey---Mental Health 2012, a national, cross-sectional survey. Positive mental health was measured with the Mental Health Continuum---Short Form, which categorizes individuals into flourishing, moderate and languishing mental health.

RESULTS

Although the majority of participants with diabetes reported flourishing mental health (73.22%), flourishing mental health was more common among people without diabetes (76.56%). Among people with diabetes (n=2,024), those who were flourishing reported greater physical activity, better self-rated health, fewer comorbidities, less functional disability and were less likely to smoke compared with those who were not flourishing. Those who were flourishing were less likely to have a lifetime history of major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder and were distinguished by some demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Among people with diabetes, flourishing mental health was associated with distinct behavioural, health and sociodemographic correlates.

Veterans' Experiences With Diabetes: A Qualitative Analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to explore an understanding of the psychosocial-behavioral impact of diabetes self-management among veterans with diabetes.

METHODS

Twenty-six veterans participated in 1 of 9 focus groups that were conducted following a group diabetes self-management education class and prior to a mindfulness intervention as part of a feasibility pilot study. Discussions were guided by open-ended questions that addressed the overarching research question, "How do attitudes and experiences with diabetes inform psychosocial-educational approaches to diabetes self-management education and care for veterans?" Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. The data was then independently coded and thematically analyzed by 2 coders.

RESULTS

Five main themes that reflect veterans' perceptions of their experiences with diabetes and diabetes self-management were identified: (1) distress and negative emotions, (2) social isolation, (3) perceived lack of control, (4) attitudes toward diabetes support, and (5) desire for information about stress, diabetes, health, and behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Veterans experience emotional distress and have unmet psychosocial needs related to diabetes self-management. Insight gained from these veteran perspectives suggests a framework for integrating psycho-educational interventions like mindfulness into diabetes care that emphasize stress reduction, person-centered communication, and opportunities for peer support.

Sociodemographic factors associated with HbA1c variability in type 2 diabetes: a prospective exploratory cohort study

BACKGROUND

The associations between sociodemographic factors and HbA1c variability in type 2 diabetes are not yet established. Examining group differences in HbA1c variability may help identify patient characteristics related to diabetes management. The present study examined differences in baseline HbA1c and HbA1c variability between groups with regard to sex, level of education, civil status, age, and BMI, in a sample of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The study was a prospective exploratory cohort study. Differences in HbA1c variability between sociodemographic groups were analyzed in 158 individuals. HbA1c variability was assessed as the standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) over five measured points, and a questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

The results showed significantly higher HbA1c variability in men compared to women (mean difference 1.44 mmol/mol [95% CI: 0.58 to 2.31]), and significantly higher HbA1c variability in individuals with a BMI characterized as obese compared to individuals with a BMI characterized as normal weight (mean difference 1.56 mmol/mol [95% CI: 0.25 to 2.88]). There were no significant associations between HbA1c variability and civil status or education.

CONCLUSIONS

Men and individuals with obesity may be more vulnerable to future diabetic complications than other groups, since they have greater long-term glycemic variability.

Sources of Stress Among Midwest American Indian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Despite alarming health disparities among American Indians (AIs) and acknowledgement that stressors negatively influence health, conceptualization of the full spectrum of stressors that impact Indigenous communities is underdeveloped. To address this gap, we analyze focus group transcripts of AI adults with type 2 diabetes from five tribal communities and classify stressors using an inductive/deductive analytical approach. A Continuum of American Indian Stressor Model was constructed from categorization of nineteen stressor categories within four domains. We further identified poverty, genocide, and colonization as fundamental causes of contemporary stress and health outcomes for AIs and conclude that stressors are generally experienced as chronic, regardless of the duration of the stressor. This work on AI-specific stressors informs future health research on the stress burden in AI communities and identifies target points for intervention and health promotion.

Haemoglobin A1c variability is a strong, independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To evaluate various measures of haemoglobin (Hb) A1c variability, compared with average HbA1c, as independent predictors of mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events Italian multicentre study enroled 15 733 patients with type 2 diabetes from 19 diabetes clinics during 2006-2008. A total of 3 to 5 HbA1c measures, obtained during the 2-year period before enrolment, were available from 9 centres (8290 patients) and were used to calculate average HbA1c (HbA1c -MEAN) and HbA1c variability, measured as intra-individual standard deviation (HbA1c-SD), SD adjusted for the number of HbA1c assessments (HbA1c-AdjSD) and coefficient of variation (HbA1c-CV), that is, the HbA1c-SD to HbA1c-MEAN ratio. Vital status on October 31, 2015 was retrieved for 8252 patients (99.5%).

RESULTS

The measures of HbA1c variability increased according to quartiles of HbA1c-MEAN and vice versa. HbA1c-MEAN and measures of HbA1c variability were associated with all-cause mortality; however, the strength of association of HbA1c-MEAN was lower than that of HbA1c -SD, HbA1c-CV or HbA1c-AdjSD, and disappeared after adjusting for confounders and any of the measures of HbA1c variability. Mortality increased with quartiles of HbA1c-MEAN, HbA1c -SD, HbA1c-CV and HbA1c-AdjSD, but only the association with HbA1c variability measures remained after adjustment for confounders and/or each other measure. In the fully adjusted model, mortality risk was lower for HbA1c-SD below the median and higher for HbA1c-SD above the median, regardless of whether HbA1c-MEAN was below or above the median. Conclusions HbA1c variability is a strong, independent predictor of all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes and appears to be even more powerful than average HbA1c in predicting mortality.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among diabetes mellitus adults in the Jilin province in China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Psychological disorders are common in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, and the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress and to determine the influence factors associated with psychological distress among DM patients in the Jilin province of China.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Multistage, stratified cluster sampling was used in this cross-sectional study. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess psychological status with the total score of ≥4 as the threshold for psychological distress.

RESULTS

A total of 1,956 subjects with DM were included in the study. Out of this total diabetic participants, 524 (26.8%) had psychological distress. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that low educational level, divorce or separation from one's spouse, low family average monthly income, short sleep duration, being aware of DM status, and multiple co-morbidities are positively associated with psychological distress (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed a high rate of psychological distress among DM population in Jilin province. Low educational level, divorce or separation from one's spouse, low family average monthly income, short sleep duration, awareness of DM status, and multiple co-morbidities are all associated with psychological distress among our study subjects. Interventions to control these factors are needed to address the psychological problems among diabetics in Jilin Province.

Depressive symptoms, serious psychological distress, diabetes distress and cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor control and elevated depressive symptoms (EDS), serious psychological distress (SPD), and diabetes distress (DD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of adults seen at an academic medical center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the southeastern US. Linear regression models were computed using CVD risk factors as clinically meaningful outcomes (glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c); systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure; and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)); EDS, SPD, and DD were primary independent variables. Covariates included sociodemographics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 361 adults. Correlation analyses showed significant relationships between DD and HbA1c, DBP, and LDL-C. Adjusted linear regression models showed DD to be significantly associated with HbA1c and LDL-C, and SPD to be significantly associated only with LDL-C. In the fully adjusted model, DD remained significantly associated with HbA1c (β=4.349; 95% CI (-0.649, 2.222)).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of adults with T2DM, DD and SPD were significantly associated with CVD risk factors; however, after controlling for covariates, only DD was shown to be significantly associated with poor glycemic control.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Strategies are warranted to examine the relationship between DD and CVD risk factor control in patients with T2DM.

Long-term Glycemic Variability and Risk of Adverse Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Glycemic variability is emerging as a measure of glycemic control, which may be a reliable predictor of complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the association between HbA1c variability and micro- and macrovascular complications and mortality in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched (2004-2015) for studies describing associations between HbA1c variability and adverse outcomes in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed with stratification according to the measure of HbA1c variability, method of analysis, and diabetes type.

RESULTS

Seven studies evaluated HbA1c variability among patients with type 1 diabetes and showed an association of HbA1c variability with renal disease (risk ratio 1.56 [95% CI 1.08-2.25], two studies), cardiovascular events (1.98 [1.39-2.82]), and retinopathy (2.11 [1.54-2.89]). Thirteen studies evaluated HbA1c variability among patients with type 2 diabetes. Higher HbA1c variability was associated with higher risk of renal disease (1.34 [1.15-1.57], two studies), macrovascular events (1.21 [1.06-1.38]), ulceration/gangrene (1.50 [1.06-2.12]), cardiovascular disease (1.27 [1.15-1.40]), and mortality (1.34 [1.18-1.53]). Most studies were retrospective with lack of adjustment for potential confounders, and inconsistency existed in the definition of HbA1c variability.

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c variability was positively associated with micro- and macrovascular complications and mortality independently of the HbA1c level and might play a future role in clinical risk assessment.

Association between hemoglobin A1c variability and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

We examined the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) variability and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We used the multidetector coronary computed tomography data collected from subjects with type 2 diabetes who did not have a history of cardiovascular disease or angina symptoms. HbA1c measurements preceding the date of cardiac imaging were retrospectively collected, and intraindividual SD (HbA1c-SD), CV and adjusted SD of HbA1c measurements were calculated. Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis was defined as calcium score >400 without any cardiac symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 595 subjects were categorized according to the median value of each HbA1c variability indicators. The prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis was higher in higher HbA1c variability group compared with lower HbA1c variability group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that higher HbA1c-SD and -CV were associated with the presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, independent of mean HbA1c level in subjects with diabetes duration ≤10 years (OR [95% CI]; HbA1c-SD, 2.894 [1.105-7.584]; HbA1c-CV, 2.540 [1.022-6.316]).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term stabilization of blood glucose level might be important in preventing subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in subjects with earlier period of type 2 diabetes.

Treatment of depression in diagnosed diabetes: common cause or detection bias?

BACKGROUND

This study examined two competing hypotheses concerning the association between diabetes and treatment for depression: (1) the detection/ascertainment bias hypothesis suggesting that those with diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with and treated for depression because of increased medical attention and (2) a hypothesis assuming that diabetes and depression share common underlying pathophysiological pathways.

METHOD

The study population included all persons aged 35-65 years in Finland with any record of type 2 diabetes in the national health and population registers from 1999 to 2002 and for whom register-based data on depression treatment (antidepressant medication use and hospitalizations for depression) were available at least 2 years before and after the diagnosis of diabetes (n = 18,217). Sociodemographic data were individually linked to the study population. Associations between diabetes diagnosis and time and indicators of depression care were assessed with population-averaged multilevel logistic models.

RESULTS

Within the year following diagnosis diabetes, there was a 5% increase in antidepressant medication use but not in hospitalization for depression. The longitudinal change in antidepressant use over time was less steep after the diabetes diagnosis, and hospitalization risk decreased after the diagnosis. These associations between diabetes diagnosis and depression treatment were not modified by the participant's socio-economic position (SEP).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the common cause hypothesis that treatment for diabetes is beneficial to the prevention of depression rather than the detection/ascertainment hypothesis that individuals with diabetes have higher rates of depression because they receive more medical attention in general.

Psychological distress, cardiovascular complications and mortality among people with screen-detected type 2 diabetes: follow-up of the ADDITION-Denmark trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to examine the association between psychological distress and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality in patients with screen-detected type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, we explored whether or not metabolic control and medication adherence could explain part of this association.

METHODS

A follow-up study was performed including 1,533 patients aged 40-69 years with screen-detected type 2 diabetes mellitus identified in general practice during 2001-2006 in the Denmark arm of the ADDITION (Anglo-Danish-Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment in People with Screen-Detected Diabetes in Primary Care) study. Mental health was measured at baseline with the Mental Health Inventory 5 (MHI-5). Psychological distress was defined as an MHI-5 score of ≤ 68 (18.2% of the population). CVD risk factors were measured at baseline and repeated at the follow-up examination. Information on death, hospital discharge diagnosis, and antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drug treatment was obtained from national registers. Cox proportional regression was used to estimate HRs for the association between psychological distress, CVD events and all-cause mortality. Age- and sex-adjusted risk difference analyses were performed to estimate differences in meeting treatment targets.

RESULTS

Patients with psychological distress had a 1.8-fold higher mortality rate (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.23, 2.53) and a 1.7-fold higher risk of having a CVD event (HR: 1.69, 95% CI 1.05, 2.70) compared with those with an MHI-5 score of >68. Overall, psychological distress was not associated with the ability to meet treatment targets for HbA1c levels, cholesterol levels or BP, or to redeem antihypertensive or lipid-lowering drug treatment.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In people detected and treated early in the diabetes disease trajectory, those with psychological distress at the time of diagnosis had a higher risk of CVD events and death than those without psychological distress.

Development of an interprofessional program for cardiovascular prevention in primary care: A participatory research approach

BACKGROUND

The chronic care model provides a framework for improving the management of chronic diseases. Participatory research could be useful in developing a chronic care model-based program of interventions, but no one has as yet offered a description of precisely how to apply the approach.

OBJECTIVES

An innovative, structured, multi-step participatory process was applied to select and develop (1) chronic care model-based interventions program to improve cardiovascular disease prevention that can be adapted to a particular regional context and (2) a set of indicators to monitor its implementation.

METHODS

Primary care clinicians (n = 16), administrative staff (n = 2), patients and family members (n = 4), decision makers (n = 5), researchers, and a research coordinator (n = 7) took part in the process. Additional primary care actors (n = 26) validated the program.

RESULTS

The program targets multimorbid patients at high or moderate risk of cardiovascular disease with uncontrolled hypertension, dyslipidemia or diabetes. It comprises interprofessional follow-up coordinated by case-management nurses, in which motivated patients are referred in a timely fashion to appropriate clinical and community resources. The program is supported by clinical tools and includes training in motivational interviewing. A set of 89 process and clinical indicators were defined.

CONCLUSION

Through a participatory process, a contextualized interventions program to optimize cardiovascular disease prevention and a set of quality indicators to monitor its implementation were developed. Similar approach might be used to develop other health programs in primary care if program developers are open to building on community strengths and priorities.

Glycemia, insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and risk of depressive symptoms in middle age

OBJECTIVE

The extent to which abnormal glucose metabolism increases the risk of depression remains unclear. In this study, we investigated prospective associations of levels of fasting glucose and fasting insulin and indices of insulin resistance and secretion with subsequent new-onset depressive symptoms (DepS).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this prospective cohort study of 3,145 adults from the Whitehall II Study (23.5% women, aged 60.6 ± 5.9 years), baseline examination included fasting glucose and insulin level, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-%IR), and the homeostasis model assessment of β-cell insulin secretion (HOMA2-%B). DepS (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale ≥16 or use of antidepressive drugs) were assessed at baseline and at 5-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Over the 5-year follow-up, DepS developed in 142 men and 84 women. Women in the lowest quintile of insulin secretion (HOMA2-%B ≤55.3%) had 2.18 (95% CI 1.25-3.78) times higher odds of developing DepS than those with higher insulin secretion. This association was not accounted for by inflammatory markers, cortisol secretion, or menopausal status and hormone replacement therapy. Fasting insulin measures were not associated with DepS in men, and fasting glucose measures were not associated with new-onset DepS in either sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Low insulin secretion appears to be a risk factor for DepS in middle-aged women, although further work is required to confirm this finding.

Higher levels of psychological distress are associated with a higher risk of incident diabetes during 18 year follow-up: results from the British household panel survey

BACKGROUND

Reviews have shown that depression is a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. However, there is limited evidence for general psychological distress to be associated with incident diabetes. The aim of the present study was to test whether persons who report higher levels of psychological distress are at increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes during 18 years follow up, adjusted for confounders.

METHODS

A prospective analysis using data from 9,514 participants (41 years, SD=14; 44% men) of the British Household Panel Survey. The General Health Questionnaire 12 item version was used to assess general psychological distress, diabetes was measured by means of self-report. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of incident diabetes during 18 years follow up, comparing participants with low versus high psychological distress at baseline (1991).

RESULTS

A total of 472 participants developed diabetes 18 year follow up. Those with a high level of psychological distress had a 33% higher hazard of developing diabetes (HR=1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.61), relative to those with a low level of psychological distress, adjusted for age, sex, education level and household income. After further adjustment for differences in level of energy, health status, health problems and activity level, higher psychological distress was no longer associated with incident diabetes (HR=1.10, 95% CI 0.91-1.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher levels of psychological distress are a risk factor for the development of diabetes during an 18 year follow up period. This association may be potentially mediated by low energy level and impaired health status.

Variability in hemoglobin A1c predicts all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the relationship between hemoglobin A1c variability and all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study in type 2 diabetic patients followed for at least 2 years between 2003 and 2009. A1C variability was determined from the standard deviation or coefficient of variation of serial A1C values (A1C(SD) or A1C(CV)). Subjects were categorized into either the high or low A1C variability group according to their A1C(CV) median. Hazard ratios (HRs) of various factors for all-cause mortality were determined from Cox's proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

A total of 881 subjects (422 men, 459 women) were included and 73 (8.3%) died during follow-up. The follow-up period was 4.7 ± 2.3 years. All-cause mortality was higher in subjects with high A1C(CV) (11.0% vs. 5.4%, p=0.002). In the Kaplan-Meier failure curve, subjects with higher A1C(CV) demonstrated a trend of higher mortality (p=0.1). In multivariate Cox's proportional hazards models, A1C(SD) and A1C(CV) significantly predicted all-cause mortality with an HR of 1.987 (p=0.02) and 1.062 (p=0.013), respectively, after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, duration of diabetes, mean systolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensives and statins, mean LDL-cholesterol, smoking status, chronic kidney disease, and mean A1C values (A1C(MEAN)). The ability of A1C(SD) and A1C(CV) to predict all-cause mortality was more evident in subjects with relatively low A1C(MEAN.)

CONCLUSIONS

A1C variability is an important risk factor for all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetic patients.

Association of coexisting diabetes and depression with mortality after myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes and depression are both linked to an increased mortality risk after myocardial infarction (MI). Population-based studies suggest that having both diabetes and depression results in an increased mortality risk, beyond that of having diabetes or depression alone. The purpose of this study was to examine the joint association of diabetes and depression with mortality in MI patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were derived from two multicenter cohort studies in the Netherlands, comprising 2,704 patients who were hospitalized for MI. Depression, defined as a Beck Depression Inventory score ≥10, and diabetes were assessed during hospitalization. Mortality data were retrieved for 2,525 patients (93%).

RESULTS

During an average follow-up of 6.2 years, 439 patients died. The mortality rate was 14% (226 of 1,673) in patients without diabetes and depression, 23% (49 of 210) in patients with diabetes only, 22% (118 of 544) in patients with depression only, and 47% (46 of 98) in patients with both diabetes and depression. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction, prior MI, and Killip class, hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.38 (95% CI 1.00-1.90) for patients with diabetes only, 1.39 (1.10-1.76) for patients with depression only, and as much as 2.90 (2.07-4.07) for patients with both diabetes and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an increased mortality risk in post-MI patients with both diabetes and depression, beyond the association with mortality of diabetes and depression alone.

Serious psychological distress, health risk behaviors, and diabetes care among adults with type 2 diabetes: the California Health Interview Survey 2007

AIMS

To examine the association between type 2 diabetes and serious psychological distress (SPD) and to assess if SPD was an independent risk factor for health risk behaviors and diabetes care among adults with diabetes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis was performed using the 2007 California Health Interview Survey with adults in California. Multiple logistic models were used to examine the associations between the multiple risk and outcome factors.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 6.9% of adults had diagnoses of type 2 diabetes. SPD was present in 7.0% of adults with diabetes but only in 3.5% of adults without diabetes. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with diabetes were significantly more likely than those without diabetes to experience SPD (OR=1.81; 95% CI=[1.3-2.5], p=0.0002), adjusting for other factors. In addition, participants with diabetes and SPD were more likely to report insufficient physical activity and more current cigarette smoking than participants without SPD. SPD among participants with diabetes, however, did not significantly affect good diabetes care.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that adults with diabetes are more likely to experience SPD than adults without diabetes. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms for this association among adults with both diabetes and SPD.

Disease management for co-morbid depression and anxiety in diabetes mellitus: design of a randomised controlled trial in primary care

Background

Depression and anxiety are common co-morbid health problems in patients with type 2 diabetes. Both depression and anxiety are associated with poor glycaemic control and increased risk of poor vascular outcomes and higher mortality rates. Results of previous studies have shown that in clinical practice, treatment of depression and anxiety is far from optimal as these symptoms are frequently overlooked and undertreated.

Methods/Design

This randomised controlled trial will examine the effectiveness of a disease management programme treating symptoms of depression and anxiety in primary care patients with Type 2 diabetes. Patients will be randomized on patient level in 1:1 ratio. Random block sizes of 2 and 4 are used. The disease management programme consists of screening, stepped treatment and monitoring of symptoms (n = 80). This will be compared to care as usual (n = 80).

Discussion

The disease management model for co-morbid depression and anxiety in primary care patients with diabetes is expected to result in reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, improved quality of life, reduced diabetes specific distress and improved glyceamic control, compared to care as usual.

Trial Registration

Dutch Trial Register NTR2626

Psychological distress measured by the GHQ-12 and mortality: a prospective population-based study

AIMS

To examine whether persons with psychological distress have a greater risk of all-cause mortality in the Scandinavian population; whether this association is gender-specific; and what is the influence of socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI) and health behaviour in this association.

METHODS

A total of 923 (414 male and 509 female) people, aged 36 to 56 years, participated in a population-based study from 1997-98 in Pieksämäki, Finland. Psychological distress was measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The GHQ-12 points were summed to a global score ranging from 0-12. Mortality data until 31 December 2009 were drawn from the national mortality register.

RESULTS

There were 44 death events (27 men, 17 women) during the mean observation time of 11 years. The hazard ratio (HR) increased by 16% for every GHQ-12 point (gender and age adjusted HR 1.16, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.07-1.25, p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model with gender, age, socioeconomic status, BMI, smoking and physical activity, HR was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04-1.22, p = 0.003). In men, the 10-year survival for distressed (GHQ-12 score ≥ 4) participants was 84% (95% CI: 73- 91) and for non-distressed (GHQ-12 score 0-3) participants it was 96% (95% CI: 93-97), HR = 3.38 (95% CI: 1.55-7.39, p = 0.002). Among women, no significant association was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological distress measured by the GHQ-12 is associated with all-cause mortality risk during an 11-year observation time. This is mainly due to excess mortality among distressed men.