A major Norwegian study has found that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at a younger age are significantly more likely to be prescribed medication for depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with the risk increasing the longer they live with the disease. The findings were published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research.
The population-based research, which included data from over 55,000 adults in Norway, examined the use of medications for mental health conditions in people with T2D across a 13-year period. It found that 12% were prescribed drugs for depression, 10% for anxiety, and 16% for insomnia. The prevalence of all three conditions increased with the duration of diabetes.
Those diagnosed before the age of 40 showed the steepest rise in mental health issues. Early-onset T2D was associated with a stronger increase in anxiety and insomnia as diabetes duration lengthened, compared to those diagnosed later in life. While younger individuals already face an elevated mental health burden, the extended exposure to diabetes appears to further compound this vulnerability.
The study’s findings suggest that people with early-onset T2D not only carry a longer-term risk of physical complications but may also face a greater psychological toll. The association was particularly striking for insomnia, which rose sharply over time in men, even though women showed higher baseline rates overall.
Socioeconomic factors also played a role. Individuals with only a primary school education were more likely to be treated for mental health disorders than those with higher qualifications. Women consistently showed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia compared to men, mirroring broader mental health trends in the general population.
Researchers emphasised that the figures likely reflect more severe cases, as the study only included individuals treated pharmacologically. This means the true burden of mental health issues in people with T2D may be even higher, particularly for those relying on non-drug interventions or who are undiagnosed.
Current clinical guidelines recommend screening for depression and anxiety in people with diabetes, but the findings suggest this may not be sufficient. Many individuals go without timely diagnosis or treatment, especially for insomnia, which remains under-assessed in standard diabetes care despite its known impact on blood sugar regulation and overall health.
The research underscores the importance of integrating mental health support into diabetes management, particularly for younger adults. Experts argue that psychological screening should begin as soon as someone is diagnosed with T2D and continue throughout their care. They also stress the need for age-appropriate interventions that reflect the different life challenges faced by younger people living with a chronic illness.
The findings come at a time when diabetes rates are rising worldwide, and more young people are being diagnosed. The World Health Organization has warned that healthcare systems must prepare for growing numbers of patients with complex and overlapping physical and mental health needs.
This article was written by Psychreg News Team from www.psychreg.org
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