The brain and the body are in constant relationship. This truth is further supported by the recent study published in General Hospital Psychiatry that describes how people who suffer from both depression and diabetes are more likely to end up with diabetic retinopathy.
In a study that controlled such factors as obesity, smoking, and activity, diabetic retinopathy was linked to occurrences of depression. Over the five year trial, almost one quarter of patients with depression developed the eye disease compared to less than 20% of those who did not have depression. Researchers extrapolate that depression increases one’s risk of developing retinopathy by 15%.
According to study co-author Wayne Katon, M.D., “Our findings suggested that psychobiologic changes associated with depression such as increased cortisol levels and activity of blood-clotting factors may be linked to the development of retinopathy.”
Learn about self-help ideas for those concerned about diabetic retinopathy and diabetes.
Source:www.medicalnewstoday.com, July 29, 2011