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Diabetes and depression: scientists confirm a bidirectional link

19 Nov 2025

A study conducted by Irish researchers across 18 European countries among adults over 50 has shown that people with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing severe depressive symptoms — and, conversely, individuals with significant depression have an increased risk of developing diabetes. These relationships were consistent across all countries included in the analysis.

The results were presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna in September 2025.

More than 45,000 middle-aged participants (57% women) were included in the study. The data were drawn from three major European longitudinal projects with follow-up periods of up to 11 years. Researchers assessed the presence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as depressive symptoms.

Key findings included:

Individuals with severe depression had a 15% higher risk of developing diabetes;
People with diabetes had a 48% higher risk of developing depression compared to those without diabetes.

These associations remained strong regardless of country-specific differences in healthcare quality, medical expenditures, economic conditions, or social inequality.

Significant differences between countries were observed. Using Austria as a reference:

The Netherlands showed a 65% lower diabetes risk;
Portugal demonstrated a 90% higher risk.
Italy had the highest prevalence of severe depressive symptoms — 150% higher than Austria. The lowest levels were observed in Denmark, with a 20% lower risk.

The only factor that strengthened the link between diabetes and depression was body mass index (BMI). Among people with diabetes, a one-point increase in BMI raised the risk of severe depression by 2.1%, compared to 1.3% in those without diabetes.

“The study highlights the deep interconnection between physical and mental health. Diabetes and depression reinforce each other, creating a vicious cycle. If a person has diabetes, their emotional and psychological state must be taken into account; and in cases of depression, metabolic health should be monitored. A comprehensive approach allows for early detection of risks and improves treatment outcomes. Equally important is prevention: regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle habits, and attentiveness to one’s well-being can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing both conditions,” noted Sagat Altynbekov, narcologist, professor at Asfendiyarov KazNMU, president of the Association of Mental Health Specialists, and expert of the National Association Densaulyq.