Adults with type 1 diabetes more likely to have depressive, anxiety symptoms

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that adults with type 1 diabetes are more likely to experience depressive and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms compared to those with type 2 diabetes or without diabetes. Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey, which included 58,106 U.S. adults. Among the participants, 326 had type 1 diabetes and 5,802 had type 2 diabetes.

The study found that the prevalence of moderate or severe depressive symptoms was notably higher in adults with type 1 diabetes at 17.1%, compared to 12.4% in those with type 2 diabetes and 6.6% in those without diabetes. Similarly, for GAD symptoms, the prevalence was 16.2% in adults with type 1 diabetes, compared to 8.7% in those with type 2 diabetes and 6.1% in those without diabetes.

The researchers also noted that the prevalence of these symptoms was highest among women, individuals with less than a high school education, and those younger than 65 years among adults with type 1 diabetes. The study emphasizes the importance of enhanced mental health screening, particularly in high-risk populations, to improve diabetes management and overall quality of life.