Depression raises diabetics’ risk of severe low blood sugar episodes

Patients with diabetes who are depressed are much more likely to develop episodes of dangerously low blood sugars, or hypoglycemia, than are those who are not depressed, a new study has found. These episodes typically occur when the drugs used to control high blood sugars drive down blood sugar levels too low. "Severe hypoglycemia can be very dangerous for these patients. Symptoms can vary. Patients may feel shaky, sweaty and anxious. But very low blood sugar can cause loss of consciousness even coma and death and repeated episodes can lead to cognitive impairment over time," said lead author Dr. Wayne J. Katon, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the UW School of Medicine. The episodes are also costly to the health-care system.