Inflammation tied to depressive symptoms in new T2DM

(HealthDay)—For patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, inflammatory markers are associated with depressive symptoms, according to a study published online May 19 in Diabetes Care.

Jean-Pierre S. Laake, from King's College London, and colleagues examined the correlation between depressive symptoms in adults and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and concentrations of inflammatory markers. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Twelve markers of inflammation were measured in 1,790 participants recruited from primary care.

The researchers found that depressive symptoms were associated with C-reactive protein (P < 0.001); interleukin (IL)-1β (P = 0.047); IL-1 receptor antagonist (P < 0.001); monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (P = 0.001); white blood cell count (P < 0.001); and triglycerides (P < 0.001). These correlations were seen after adjustment for covariates, including sociodemographic factors, adiposity, macrovascular disease, glycated hemoglobin, and prescribed medication.

"Increased inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes and contribute to the increased risk of complications and mortality in this group," the authors write.