The association between insulin resistance and risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders in a sample of Egyptian population

Abstract Background Many studies had suggested that diabetes increases the risk of incident depression and anxiety. Yet, no sufficient studies revealed the relationship between insulin resistance and depression and anxiety. Aim of the work To study the relationship between insulin resistance and the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Patients and methods A case control study which was conducted on 60 patients. The patients were recruited from diabetes and Internal medicine clinics and department in Ain Shams University Hospitals over 6 months period from December 2022 to May 2023. The cases were divided into 3 groups; 20 Insulin resistant diabetic patients, 20 Insulin resistant non diabetic patients and 20 non insulin resistant non diabetic normal subjects, The cases were subjected to clinical examination and laboratory work up including (HbA1c, HOMA IR, lipid profile), then they were screened for depression and anxiety by PHQ and GAD questionares. Results 75% of Insulin resistant diabetic patients, 60% of 20 Insulin resistant non diabetic patients had variable degrees of depression . ( p value =0.036) Furthermore, 65% of Insulin resistant diabetic patients, 55% of Insulin resistant non diabetic patients suffered from anxiety. ( p value =0.011) We found also there is positive co-relation between HBA1C with depression and anxiety ( p -value <0.05) Conclusion The current study shows direct relationship between diabetes with depression and anxiety. Also, insulin resistance is more prevalent among anxious participants.