Depression risk high for students with diabetes: Study

Darielle Britto | Aug 29, 2019, 13:14 IST
A new study reveals stress and the risk of depression is high for many diabetic studies attending universities. Having to live with the condition is the primary cause of concern for many, according to researchers.

For the study, 173 people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) responded to a survey. Respondents either studied or worked at a university. 27 per cent of the group with T1DM and 30 per cent of those with T2DM reported they experienced very high levels of diabetes distress. Those who reported high levels of diabetes distress also reported lower diabetes quality of life. 19 per cent of those with T1DM and 17 per cent of those with T2DM also screened positive for severe depression.

"Anyone with diabetes will experience diabetes distress at some point, and it is often triggered by major life events or upheaval," study author Elizabeth Beverly told a news portal. The team found the condition, for these students, has a huge impact on the quality of their lives as they do not practice many self-care behaviours. It has also been linked to suboptimal glycemic control.

A change in environment can be particularly distressing for a person with this condition as it may be hard for some to manage their diet and blood glucose levels.Some find it difficult to get access to the right foods they require to manage the condition.

"The findings highlight just how difficult it is to live with diabetes. It requires daily management and despite a person's best efforts, diabetes remains a chronic, progressive disease that can decline over time," Beverly told a news portal.vThe study's findings were published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

Meanwhile, a new study claims diabetes could also increase the risk of cancer. "Exposure to high glucose levels leads to both DNA adducts and the suppression of their repair, which in combination could cause genome instability and cancer," John Termini, who presented the findings at the American Chemical Society Fall 2019 National Meeting, told a news portal.

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