Project summary
People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of depression. And people with depression have a higher risk of type 2. But there’s lots we don’t understand about how exactly the two conditions are connected. Dr Tyrrell wants to unravel more about the complicated relationship between the conditions and the impact of living with both type 2 and depression on health. This could lead to better ways to treat people with both conditions.
Background to research
Research has shown that having both type 2 diabetes and depression is much more common than first thought and that having both conditions has a negative impact on health.
We know that the conditions are linked in both directions. Type 2 diabetes can put people at a greater risk of depression, and vice versa. But we don’t understand why.
As most studies focus on either type 2 diabetes or depression separately, there is a pressing need to explore the influence of the two together on health and to untangle how they are connected. Dr Tyrrell believes that this will be very important for people living with both conditions to get the care that they need.
Research aims
Dr Tyrrell and her PhD student will investigate the links between type 2 diabetes and depression and how the two together affect overall health. First, they’ll use large amounts of data on hospital cases and health records to identify people who have both depression and type 2 diabetes. Then, the team will use genetic data to ask if having type 2 diabetes directly causes depression, or is it the other way around? Or if other factors, like bodyweight, physical activity levels or deprivation can help explain why the two conditions are connected.
They’ll also study what happens to people’s health when they have both type 2 and depression. And will look at whether their findings vary between different groups of people too.
Potential benefit to people with diabetes
Type 2 diabetes and depression are serious conditions and can be even more harmful when they’re together. The insights from Dr Tyrrell’s research could lead to new treatment plans for those who have type 2 diabetes and depression, to make sure they get the best possible tailored care.
