Risk of Depression and Suicidality among Diabetic Patients

Risk of Depression and Suicidality among Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diabetic patients face several psychological challenges as a result of their illness, which may include: adherence to medical treatment and lifestyle modifications, need for continued monitoring for glycemic control, concerns for complications and disabilities, interference of symptoms with daily activities, all of which may eventually lead and interconnect to depression and in some cases suicide.

In the study, diabetic patients were found to be twice as likely to experience suicidal ideations compared to non-diabetics. When examining attempted suicide, diabetics were also significantly at higher risk compared to non-diabetics. Therefore, efforts for early detection and effective screening are urgently needed in primary care settings. Appropriate training for healthcare providers in the field of suicidality screening and depression management would help mitigate the negative impacts on a diabetic patient’s quality of life and reduce the growing burden on healthcare systems