Study of the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Risk of Developing Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Abstract Background Studies have suggested that diabetes increases the risk of incident depression and anxiety. Also, it can contribute to a more severe course of depression and anxiety with different mechanisms. Moreover, Insulin resistance is an essential component in development of diabetes in diabetic patients. Yet, no sufficient studies revealed the relationship between insulin resistance and depression and anxiety. Hence, this is important to prevent, early detect, treat, and identify factors affecting their incidence, as this affects prognosis and insulin resistant individuals’ quality of life. Aim of the Work To study the relationship between insulin resistance and risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Patients and Methods This is a case control study conducted on patients from diabetes and Internal medicine clinics and department of Ain Shams University Hospitals. This present study aimed at analyzing the data of 60 participants divided into 3 groups. Group 1has 20 Insulin resistant diabetic patients. Group 2 has 20 Insulin resistant non diabetic patients. Group 3 has 20 Non insulin resistant non diabetic normal subjects, over two months period from December 2022 to March 2023. They were subjected to clinical examination and laboratory work up including (HbA1c, HOMA IR, lipid profile), then they were screened by PHQ and GAD. Results A total of 60 participants who are composed of 56.6% females, 70% non workers, 78% married, 30% smokers and 62% with BMI more than 25. As regards psychiatric assessment, PHQ assessment shows a total of 34 participants having depression representing (56.67%), while GAD assessment shows 28 subjects having anxiety disorder (46.67%). As regard the comparison between the 3 groups the HOMA IR values are higher in group 1 and 2, while, HbA1c values are more in group 1 which show a statistical significance with p value <0.001 each. As regards, psychiatric assessment of the participants, 75% of group 1, 60% of group 2 and only 35% of group 3 suffer from depression scored by PHQ. This shows a statistically significant correlation between DM, IR and depression (p value = 0.036) Furthermore, 65% of group 1, 55% of group 2 and only 20% of group 3 suffer from scored by GAD. This shows a statistically significant correlation between DM, IR and anxiety (p value = 0.011) Conclusion Depression shows significant correlation with HbA1c value and Anxiety shows significant correlation with HOMA IR value. Hence, psychiatric evaluation can’t be ignored in any case with insulin resistance or diabetes. Detecting factors which affect the prevalence of such complications will help in preventing them in the future. So, further research to establish management protocols to reduce these complications is needed.