Inclusion of Depressed Elderly Diabetics in Clinical Intervention

Posted on October 7, 2008 in Latest News

Blood sugar control among elderly diabetics and depression among them are not linked in any way. Depressed patients can also improve. This was revealed by researchers in a study conducted by SUNY Upstate University, Syracuse, New York which observed 1600 elderly diabetics. These findings were highlighted in the Medical Journal Diabetic Care.

Dr. Paula M. Treif of Suny Upstate University states it is often assumed that elderly diabetics suffering from depression do not benefit from clinical intervention programs unless and until they recover from depression. On the other hand the study states that depressed elderly diabetics can improve and should be included in such intervention programs.

Researchers are of the view that depression did not play a major role in diabetes control. Depression should deter elderly diabetics from programs that focus on how well they manage their diabetes.

Dr. Treif felt other effects of depression among elderly diabetics on diet, exercise and family relationships should be investigated.

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