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Researchers at the University of Alberta (UA) recently discovered an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes among individuals with depression. A study, published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, found that patients who have been diagnosed with depression may have a 30 percent increased risk for developing diabetes.

Lauren Brown, the lead author of the study, researched the history of 2,400 individuals who had been diagnosed with depression. Brown looked at the various types of treatments that these individuals were taking and discovered that patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which are an older form of antidepressant treatments, combined with the newer brand of antidepressants known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) had double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

While the study needs further research to better understand the relationship between antidepressants and developing type 2 diabetes, it is important that patients of depression as well as diabetes receive educational information on both conditions and the link to better assess and treat their potential illnesses, according to the study.

What are TCAs and SSRIs?

Tricyclic antidepressants are used to treat abnormalities involving neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, according to the Mayo Clinic. The TCAs “inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrin” and block certain cell receptors. TCAs were first introduced to the market in the 1960s and remained a top treatment of depression among patients through the 1980s until the development of SSRIs. Common side effects that have been associated with TCAs include:

* constipation, urinary retention

* drowsiness and dizziness

* dry mouth

* blurred vision

* impaired sexual function

* increased heart rate

* headache

* increased appetite, weight gain

* weakness

* low blood pressure or increased heart rate

* nausea

According to the Mayo Clinic, patients of TCAs may have issues with their blood sugar levels, but the drug has never been linked directly to having caused diabetes.

Health Insite, an initiative by the Australian government, describes SSRIs as a group of antidepressants that activate nerve cells within the brain to regulate serotonin levels. According to Harvard Medical School, SSRI side effects may include:

* insomnia

* rashes

* headaches

* joint and muscle pain

* diarrhea, nausea or upset stomach

* potential risk of stomach or uterine bleeding

* diminished sexual interest/desire

* impaired sexual function

* suicide and increased suicidal thinking

Patients are advised to discuss any sudden change in moods, and, with the increased risk of developing diabetes, patients taking both SSRIs and TCAs should consult their physician if weight gain or loss begins to affect moods.

How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Individuals who feel they may suffer from type 2 diabetes will likely receive one or all of the following tests, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDD):

* fasting plasma glucose test

* oral glucose tolerance test

* random plasma glucose test

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of diabetes in order to receive diagnosis and treatment of the condition immediately, as the condition can worsen if left untreated. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reported the following diabetes symptoms for individuals to watch for:

* frequent urination

* extreme hunger

* blurry vision

* irritability

* extreme thirst

* increased fatigue

* unexplained weight loss

It is extremely important for patients suffering from depression to contact a medical professional if they feel they may suffer from type 2 diabetes as well. If diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is important to become aware of the potential risks involved with consuming type 2 diabetes medications such as Avandia from GlaxoSmithKline, is an anti-diabetic medication that was linked to early on-set osteoporosis as well as heart failure among type 2 diabetes patients.