Why the study?
Is insulin resistance associated with a lower likelihood of depression?
Is insulin resistance associated with a lower likelihood of depression?
This study investigates the novel hypothesis that insulin resistance may be protective against depression via altered serotonin metabolism.
Hypothesis-generating cross-sectional association; leaves open causality and should not alter clinical practice.
A large cohort study of nearly 15 000 individuals found that indicators of insulin sensitivity were associated with increased risk of suicide. Insulin resistance is a determinant of free fatty acids in the blood, which are in turn important in tryptophan metabolism and brain serotonin concentrations. 2 3 Individuals who are insulin resistant may therefore have higher serotonin concentrations and as a result be less likely to be depressed. We know of no previous study that has assessed the association between insulin resistance and depression in humans.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Debbie A. Lawlor (2003) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 2 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: