Taking Anti-Depressants Lead to Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Research

Researchers from the University of Southampton revealed in the month of September 2013 that prescribed anti-depressants were associated with the increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers analysed the medical studies and concluded that the evidences revealed a connection between the anti-depressants and Type 2 diabetes.

Though the two were not directly associated, but it was found in the research that anti-depressants led to an increase in the weight, which in turn was a factor responsible for increased Type 2 diabetes risk. Or, it may also be possible that the anti-depressants interfered with the blood sugar control.

The researchers analysed 22 studies which involved various patients on the medication of anti-depressants. Prof Richard Holt and colleagues, in the meanwhile, also explained that more research was required in order to investigate the factors which remained hidden behind their findings. The researchers also warned that the doctors should keep a check on such patients for the early warning signs or symptoms.

It is important to note that in UK alone, there are 46 million prescriptions for anti-depressants in a year. This is a worrying factor, especially if seen in context with the research. Prof Richard Holt also explained that a few things may coincide but there was still a sign that people being treated with the anti-depressants do have an increased risk of developing diabetes. There is therefore, a need of screening and looking at the measures for reducing these risks.

Diabetes is very easily diagnosable with a simple blood test. It is also preventable if a person remains physically active and takes a proper diet. In UK alone, there are around three million people who are diabetic and most of these cases are Type 2 diabetes.