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The Open University, School of Health and Social Welfare,
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.
E-mail: C.E.Lloyd@open.ac.uk
Current Diabetes Reports 2002, 2:465466
Current Science Inc. ISSN 1534-4827
Copyright 2002 by Current Science Inc.
466
Invited Commentary
In summary, depression and depressive symptomatology are both more common in those with diabetes
compared to those without, but can be treated effectively
in many cases. Depression may have a detrimental effect
on glycemic control; however, not all those who are
depressed have high blood sugar levels, and many diabetic
patients who are depressed manage their diabetes well. It is
important for the health professional working with the
diabetic patient to recognize that diabetes and depression
may go together but that they are separate conditions
both of which must be treated aggressively in order to
maximize the benefits to the person with diabetes.
Recently, there has been a surge of interest in psychological and psychosocial aspects of chronic disease, and
research in depression and diabetes has gained greater
recognition. This has been in light of the evidence that
does exist of the serious impact of psychological problems
on individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes,
their impact on day-to-day living, and the high costs to
both the individual and society.
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