People With Diabetes at Risk for Depression

People With Diabetes at Risk for DepressionNov. 24, 2004 -- Depression and anxiety are twice as likely to plague people with diabetes, the CDC reports. Many live in poverty, with poor health, and get little health care -- even though counseling and medications could improve their mental outlook.

Their 2003 study is based on a community health telephone survey involving nearly 10,000 adults living in New York City. Interviews were conducted in 23 languages.

Of the 9,590 adults surveyed, 9% had diabetes. Of those with diabetes, 10% also had serious emotional distress, including depression. The survey showed that people with diabetes were almost twice as likely as those without diabetes to have serious psychological distress.

By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Medical News