Bidirectional Associations Between Mental Health Disorders and Chronic Diabetic Complications in Individuals With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To determine bidirectional associations between the timing of chronic diabetes complications (CDCs) and mental health disorders (MHDs) in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used a nationally representative health care claims database to identify matched individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes or without diabetes using a propensity score quasirandomization technique stratified by age (0–19, 20–39, 40–59, and 60 years). CDCs and MHDs were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. We fit Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying diagnoses of CDCs or MHDs to investigate their association with the hazard of developing MHDs or CDCs, respectively. RESULTS From 2001 to 2018, a total of 553, 552 individuals were included (44, 735 with type 1 diabetes, 152, 187 with type 2 diabetes, and 356, 630 without diabetes). We found that having a CDC increased the hazard of developing an MHD (hazard ratio HR 1. 9–2. 9; P 0. 05 for interaction effects). CONCLUSIONS We found a consistent bidirectional association between CDCs and MHDs across the life span, highlighting the important relationship between CDCs and MHDs. Prevention and treatment of either comorbidity may help reduce the risk of developing the other.