New York State Department of Health - Division of Chronic Disease Prevention
Release Date: 10/3/2011
Information for Action # 2011-11
Diabetes and Frequent Mental Distress
Quick facts:
Frequent mental distress* is more common among New York State adults with diabetes (13.4%) than those without
diabetes (9.2%) (see Figure 1).
Among younger adults ages 18-64, those with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to report frequent mental distress
(17.0%) than those without diabetes (9.9%) (see Figure 1).
The prevalence of frequent mental distress among adults with diabetes exceeds the goal of 7.8% for all adult New
Yorkers established by the Prevention Agenda Toward the Healthiest State (PA 2013 Target).
Public health importance:
Frequent mental distress increases the risk of diabetes complications.1
Recent evidence indicates that diabetes is a risk factor for clinical depression. 2
Among adults with diabetes, total health care expenditures for those diagnosed with depression are 4.5 times higher
than for those without depression.3
Diabetes outcomes can be improved with assessment and referral to diabetes self-management education programs
that address psychosocial issues and behavioral strategies.4
Figure 1. Prevalence of frequent mental distress (FMD)* among NYS adults,
by diabetes status and age, 2007-2009
25
Percent with FMD*
Adults with diabetes
Adults without diabetes
20
15
10
5
PA 2013 Target = 7.8%
17.0
13.4
9.2
9.9
8.3
5.6
0
All ages
Age 18-64
Age ≥65
Data Source: NYS Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2007-2009.
*Frequent mental distress (FMD) is defined as 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past 30 days.
PUBLIC HEALTH OPPORTUNITY
Assessment of psychological condition and referral to diabetes self-management programs can decrease frequent
mental distress and reduce the risk of diabetes complications, especially among adults under the age of 65.
Contact:
For more information about the data included and their specific implications for action, please send an email to
[email protected] with IFA # 2011-11 in the subject line.
References:
1.
Harkness E, et al. Identifying psychosocial interventions that improve both physical and mental health in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care 2010; 33 (4): 926-30.
Golden SH, et al. Examining a bidirectional association between depressive symptoms and diabetes. JAMA 2008; 299(23): 2751-9.
3.
Egede LE, et al. Comorbid depression is associated with increased health care use and expenditures in individuals with diabetes. Diabetes Care 2002; 25 (3): 464-70.
4.
American Diabetes Association. Standard of medical care in diabetes – 2011. Diabetes Care 2011; 34(S1): S11-S61.
2.
To access other Information for Action reports, visit the NYSDOH public website:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/prevention/injury_prevention/information_for_action/index.htm