Assessment of Metabolic Profiles and Sociodemographic Correlations Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Antidepressants: A Cross-Sectional Study in Duhok, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is linked to insulin secretion failure or resistance, causing high blood sugar. Depression is closely related to T2DM, and they influence each other. Although antidepressants are broadly used, it has not been clear how they influence glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and lipid profiles.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to look into the relationship between antidepressant medication and metabolic control, specifically lipid and glycemic (HbA1c) profiles, in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Duhok, Iraq. Additionally, the study aimed to ascertain how lifestyle choices, such as smoking and physical activity, and sociodemographic traits, such as gender, education, and employment, affect these metabolic parameters.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed on 162 patients with T2DM divided into three groups consisting of non-depressed diabetic patients (n=100), newly diagnosed depressed patients (n=20), and depressed patients on antidepressants (n=42). HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS), Total cholesterol (TC ), Triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and other clinical, demographic, and biochemical parameters, Body mass index (BMI) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured.

Results: Gender, education, employment, and physical activity all showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Men with depression had higher FBS and HbA1c values than men without depression. Additionally noteworthy were the lipid profiles and BMI values, which showed elevated cholesterol and signs of obesity in the depressed groups. Diabetes complications and metabolic changes were influenced by antidepressants.

Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, antidepressant therapy is closely linked to modifications in lipid profiles and glycemic control, with metabolic effects being more pronounced in men. These findings emphasize the need for individualized, comprehensive treatment programs that take metabolic and mental health into account.