The association of physical activity and depression in Type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Physical inactivity and depressed mood are both associated with a higher likelihood of diabetes-related complications; the association between physical activity and depressed mood in Type 2 diabetes has not been reviewed previously. We have reviewed (i) the strength of this association and (ii) the impact of depression-specific management and physical activity interventions on mood and activity levels in overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes.


METHODS
Studies published between January 1996 and September 2007 were identified (OVID-MEDLINE, PSYCH-INFO and EMBASE) using pertinent search terms (keyword/title).


RESULTS
Of the 12 studies included (10 cross-sectional, two trials), most employed a standardized questionnaire for depressed mood but only one item for physical activity. In adults with Type 2 diabetes, the inactive are 1.72 to 1.75 times more likely to be depressed than the more active; the depressed are 1.22 to 1.9 times more likely to be physically inactive than the non-depressed. Two randomized trials demonstrated that a depression management programme improved mood, but only one demonstrated increased physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies to date suggest an association between depressed mood and physical inactivity in adults with Type 2 diabetes, although objective measures of physical activity have not been employed. Depression-specific management may improve mood and possibly activity. A trial comparing the impact of depression-specific management compared with exercise intervention on depressed mood and activity in Type 2 diabetes is justified.
Lysy
Z
Z
Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montráal, QC, Canada.
Da Costa
D
D
Dasgupta
K
K
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic