Much is made these days about the mind-body connection, particularly when it comes to healthcare. This is far from a new, ground-breaking theory, however. The Greeks have long recognized that the brain played a role in healing and might even be the sole basis for illness. The earliest known Greek medical school opened in 700 BC, in fact, and there was significant focus on the beliefs and mind-set of the patient in ancient diagnosis and treatment theories. As November is the Mental Health focus issue of U.S. Pharmacist as well as National Diabetes Month, this is an opportune time to explore the relationship between diabetes and depression. As reported by Kendra R. Manigault, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, CDE, in this issue's cover article, "The Bidirectional Relationship Between Depression and Diabetes," patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can find themselves overwhelmed by the day-to-day self-care treatment challenges, and these psychological stressors may, in turn, contribute to depression. As Dr. Manigault writes, research suggests depression is increased in patients with diabetes, and the incidence of T2DM is increased in patients with depression.
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