The Article in Brief

Effects of Enhanced Depression Treatment on Diabetes Self-care

Elizabeth H. B. Lin, MD, MPH , and colleagues

Background Healthy nutrition, physical activity, and use of appropriate medications can slow the progression of diabetes and reduce complications associated with the disease. However, many people with diabetes, particularly those with depression, do not practice these healthy self-care habits. This study looked at whether improved depression treatment in diabetes patients has an influence on self-care behaviors, including taking diabetes medications as prescribed.

What This Study Found Treatment for depression does not improve self-management of diabetes among patients with both illnesses. Increased depression care was not associated with improved diabetes self-care behaviors, such as proper nutrition, physical activity, or stopping smoking, or increased use of medications as prescribed.

Implications

• Patients who manage multiple medical conditions face complex challenges.
• Further study is needed to determine whether combined management of diabetes and depression would help patients achieve better psychological and diabetes results.