title: Diabetes with comorbid depression: role of SSRI in better glycemic control.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The presence of depression in patients with diabetes mellitus is reported to be associated with poor glycemic control and an increased risk of diabetic complications. Treatment of depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may improve glycemic control and may be beneficial for patients with comorbid depression and diabetes.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of Escitalopram (SSRI) in patients with diabetes mellitus with comorbid depression and the relationship of treatment response for depression and glycemic control.
  
  
  METHODS
  40 patients received open-label Escitalopram therapy for up to 12 weeks. Clinical outcome measures included Hamilton Depression rating scale (HAM-D) assessment at 3, 6, and 12 weeks. In addition, fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose level, weight and waist circumference, glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1C), lipid profile, renal function test and fundus examination were done before and during Escitalopram therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant decline in mean HAM-D scores was observed 3 weeks onwards till the end of the study during Escitalopram therapy. There was a corresponding decline in mean fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose level at 6 and 12 weeks respectively and glycosylated hemoglobin level at 12 weeks was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Escitalopram is effective in treating depression in patients with diabetes mellitus, and has beneficial effects on glycemic control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Pt.B.D.Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India. Electronic address: hunt4prat_01@rediffmail.com.
authors.forename: Pratibha
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gehlawat
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Rajesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rajput
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gahlan
authors.forename: Virender Kumar
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Gehlawat
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D015283:Citalopram; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
keywords: Depression; Diabetes; Glycemic control; SSRI