A first for Tasmania, Menzies researchers will begin a crucial new pilot study in 2009, into the link between two of the most common conditions that exist in society today - depression and diabetes.

A first for Tasmania, Menzies researchers will begin a crucial new pilot study in 2009, into the link between two of the most common conditions that exist in society today - depression and diabetes.

Diabetes and depression, which continue to grow at an alarming rate, are disabling and costly conditions affecting many Tasmanians. Tasmania currently has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Australia and consequently, it is likely a considerable proportion of these individuals have clinical depression.

Recent figures from a large American study estimate total health care costs associated with depression among people with diabetes to be 70 per cent higher than for those without depression.

Depression occurs more frequently in people with diabetes than those without. Up to one in four individuals with type 2 diabetes is likely to have major depression and one in two milder symptoms of depression. A significant problem for people living with diabetes and depression is their depression often goes undiagnosed.

"By undertaking this new study, we hope to identify people living with both depression and diabetes within the community, and establish how it is affecting overall quality of life and diabetes management," Dr Sue Pearson said.

"People with both diabetes and depression are less likely to manage their blood sugar levels and adhere to recommended diet, exercise and medication regimens. Consequently, they have a much greater risk of developing diabetes related complications such as coronary heart disease, renal failure, blindness and amputation."

"We are also hoping to identify diabetics in the community living with previously unrecognised depression."

"Improving the detection and treatment of depression in these individuals could dramatically reduce their risk of developing costly and debilitating complications of diabetes including premature death."

While most diabetes cannot be cured, it is possible to treat depression and improve people's capacity to manage other health conditions and this will ultimately reduce their risk of major complications and improve quality of life.

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