Epidemiology, treatment and costs of depression in adults with Type 2 diabetes

Worldwide, diabetes and depression are highly prevalent conditions that are independently-associated with increased healthcare costs, disability, lost productivity, and premature mortality. Approximately 10% of individuals with diabetes have major depression and 30% have both major and minor depression. Individuals with diabetes have two-fold increased odds of having depression compared with individuals without diabetes. Although, there are effective treatments for depression, studies have shown that only 50% of adults with depression are recognized in primary care and that treatment for depression is less than ideal in this setting. The epidemiology, treatment and costs of depression in adults with Type 2 diabetes are reviewed and an expert opinion on the best treatments for depression, and future clinical and research directions in this field of research are offered.