A Mix of Metabolic Factors With Depression Equals More Diabetes Risk

Metabolic risk factors for developing diabetes include being overweight, an inactive lifestyle, and having insulin resistance.

New research indicates that when these metabolic risk factors combine with symptoms of depression, the probability of type 2 diabetes onset significantly increases.

“Emerging evidence suggests that not depression, per se, but depression in combination with behavioral and metabolic risk factors increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions,” said researcher Norbert Schmitz, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal.

A Cycle of Symptoms

The Canadian investigators believe that metabolic factors and depression are conditions that exacerbate each other, creating a cycle of symptoms that can spin into diabetes.

People experiencing depression, for instance, have a difficult time adhering to medical advice about getting regular exercise, eating a healthier diet, or quitting smoking—actions that diminish metabolic risk factors. Simultaneously, the metabolic risk factors of being overweight and inactive contribute to depressive symptoms such as fatigue, poor self-image, and difficulty sleeping.


Depression may trigger some changes in the body’s metabolic processes as well, and certain antidepressant medications are associated with weight gain.

The researchers hope that by identifying people with metabolic and depressive symptoms, an integrated treatment plan that addresses both problems will disrupt the cycle created when each health issue fuels the other.

Know the Signs

We can also help break the metabolic-depression cycle, for ourselves and those we care about, by being aware of the symptoms involved and consulting with medical professionals when necessary.

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or worthless; tearfulness.
  • Anhedonia: loss of interest or inability to take pleasure in activities such as sports, personal interest, socializing, or sex.
  • Irritability, frustration, angry outbursts.
  • Anxiety, restlessness, or agitation.
  • Sleeping too much, or too little; tiredness, and lethargy.
  • Diminished appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain.
  • Slow in speech, movement, or thought; difficulty with concentrating, remembering, and decision making.
  • Recurring or frequent thoughts about death; thoughts of suicide, or suicide attempts.

Most of us temporarily experience many of these issues at various times. It's symptoms severe enough to interfere with everyday activities, and persist over time, that may be signs of a clinical depression.


Metabolic issues are more difficult to detect since the only uncomfortable and visible symptom may be a growing waistline.

Other than weight gain and inactivity, metabolic risk factors include aging, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, a family history of type 2 diabetes, a personal history of gestational diabetes, cardiovascular problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and being of Mexican-American descent.

Sources: Mayo Clinic/metabolic factors; Science Daily; Mayo Clinic/depression
Photo credit: Thomas Leuthard


More Articles

With its slightly nutty flavor, chewy texture, and nutritional punch farro is an ancient whole grain worth a place in our pantry.

Farro...

Having diabetes is cause for concern, however it doesn’t mean that you need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet completely....

With diabetes becoming more of an epidemic each and every day, being knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on the body as well as ways to...

If you’re a diabetic or live with one, it can be tough trying to figure out the best foods to eat because your priority is to control your blood...

In this post, I will show you the 10 best ice creams for diabetics.

When you think of sweetened foods that a diabetic shouldn’t consume,...

More Articles

If you’re living with diabetes, snacking is a necessity because going for more than 3-4 hours without eating can be detrimental to your health....

For diabetics, choosing healthy snacks can be a daunting task.

A good rule of thumb is to pick out snacks that are rich in protein, fiber,...

According to information available through the National Institutes of Health, there’s an estimated 462 million people in the world who are...

Eleven Clinical Studies

After eleven clinical studies and 300,000 participants, researcher Vasanti Malik and her team of researchers...

Diabetic women often have a harder time losing weight than non-diabetic women. A study funded by Jenny Craig proved that diabetic women have an...

Many recent studies have proved that magnesium levels are lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics. This magnesium...

Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes...

Some of us might be thrilled if we could manage our blood sugar by sitting in a hot tub or sauna, instead of working up a sweat biking, or using...

Cooking and baking with the ancient cereal grain sorghum has health benefits for people with diabetes, and those with weight control issues....

When it comes to certain foods, there are always questions as to whether or not a diabetic can have them without...

Matcha tea is a rich, creamy, full-bodied beverage with amazing nutritional properties that address several diabetes health concerns.

The...

Salads are good example of foods that type 2 diabetics can enjoy with relatively low guilt. With the right greens and other elements added, salad...

Remaining gainfully employed is important to many people. Those who live with any form of diabetes may find that some lines of work are more...

Learning that you have diabetes does mean making some lifestyle changes. One of the areas that needs attention is your diet. Most people find that...

One of the more challenging aspects of life as a type 2 diabetic is managing your diet. There’s often the temptation to avoid certain foods...