Researchers Identify Connection Between Treating Depression and Onset of Diabetes
Long-term use of antidepressants isn’t breaking news, but now the overuse of the prescription drugs has been linked to diabetes. According to a National Institute of Mental Health study published in Diabetes Care in February 2020, long-term antidepressant use increases the risk for type 2 diabetes onset in a “time- and dose-dependent” manner.
The researchers evaluated 90,530 participants for associations between the risk for new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and the duration of antidepressant use and the antidepressant dose. The group also reviewed general antidepressant use and clinical outcomes after diabetes onset, revealing that:
- 5,225 patients (5.8 percent) developed diabetes
- short-term low-dose antidepressant use, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.27
- long-term high-dose use, the adjusted hazard ratio was 3.95
- there was a lower HbA1c levels among patients who discontinued or reduced the dose of antidepressants
“HbA1c level should be regularly monitored in patients taking antidepressants in order to inform the decision to reduce or discontinue antidepressant use, if possible, when impaired glucose tolerance is observed,” the research report authors later said.
Long-Term Antidepressant Usage is Up in America
Antidepressant usage by Americans has been increasing for at least a decade, according to an analysis of federal data by the New York Times.
Since 2010:
- Almost 25 million adults have been taking antidepressants for at least two years, a 60% increase.
- Moreover, approximately 15.5 million individuals have been taking the drugs for at least five years, nearly doubling the rate.
- Individuals older than age 45 years, women, and whites are more likely to take antidepressants than younger adults, men, and minorities; however, the usage among older adults is also rising.
Some of the most widely used antidepressants include: Celexa, Cymbalta, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft.
Medical Malpractice Due to Medication Mismanagement Requires Careful Investigations
Sadly, medication-related injuries brought on by overuse, especially those dealing with such powerful drugs such as antidepressants, often result in additional medical conditions and unfortunately, at times, wrongful death. In these cases, a health care professional must be proven negligent in prescribing medication and that the mistake caused a further decline in health or an injury or death.
Patients who are violated through the mismanagement of their medication by a health care provider will need to show that the medical standard of care was indeed broken, and with proof of how they, or the loved one they represent, were harmed as a result of the act. The use of an expert medical witness and careful legal review will be necessary. This can be a complicated process. And it often requires assistance from a knowledgeable attorney with the resources essential to investigating your claim.
The Medical Malpractice Team at Levin & Perconti Can Help You
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered from a medication-related injury or wrongful death due to a failure by their prescribing physician, they may be entitled to compensation. All consultations are free, and we work on a contingent fee basis, so there are no related costs for our services unless we successfully resolve your case. Call us at (312) 332-2872 and set up a free case evaluation consultation with an experienced medical malpractice or wrongful death attorney at Levin & Perconti.
