Annual Screening of people with type 2 diabetes for depression, the most common mental health issue within the diabetes community, could improve their health, according to a review of several studies. The review was presented at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 2017 National Conference.

In this review, researchers looked at whether there was a link between depression and glycemic control and found a statistically significant association. Three of the studies also suggested that patients who recognized the symptoms of depression, and went on to receive appropriate follow-up treatment, experienced improved HbA1c levels.

The researchers, Kristel McGhee and Katherine Kenny from the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and Arizona State University, suggest introducing a protocol which would collect health data on people with type 2 diabetes in a bid to prevent them from developing depression. This would include age, sex, other illnesses and whether they have a history of depression. By using patient questionnaires it would help doctors to review people's health and their HbA1c levels.

The researchers said: "patients with major depressive disorder have a mean life span of 25 to 30 years less than the average person. The purpose of this project is not only to identify and treat patients with diabetes, but also implement a sustainable process to screen these patients for depression."

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