Researchers from the University of Surrey in England have found that depression increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study’s findings were shared by the news portal Diabetes Times.
Earlier work showed that people with diabetes were about twice as likely to experience depressive disorders. However, it remained unclear which condition tended to appear first. To clarify this, the team analyzed genetic data from hundreds of thousands of individuals and determined that a prior history of depression raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, rather than the reverse.
In addition, the researchers identified seven genetic variants that influence both type 2 diabetes and depression. The shared genes appear to influence insulin secretion and inflammatory processes in the brain, the pancreas, and adipose tissue, suggesting a common biological pathway linking the two diseases.
Experts say these insights could inform new strategies to prevent diabetes by addressing mental health factors early on and monitoring individuals at higher genetic risk more closely.
There are mentions in earlier literature about links between behavioral patterns and mood or sleep disorders. For example, some studies have noted associations between certain online behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption, underscoring the broader connection between mental well‑being and metabolic health.