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Diabetes

What is diabetes and PTSD?

Diabetes is a state of impaired insulin function, either as a result of reduced insulin production (type 1 diabetes) or reduced insulin responsiveness (type 2 diabetes). Insulin regulates blood glucose levels, and reduced insulin function effectively increases blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). This is a dangerous state in the long term, and can ultimately damage the retina, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. It is also an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including coronary heart disease, major stroke subtypes, and deaths attributable to other vascular causes. Therefore, diabetes is an important comorbidity in people with mental health problems and its prevention and treatment require attention in these populations.

What is the evidence for diabetes in people with PTSD?

Moderate quality evidence finds around 10% of people with PTSD have type 2 diabetes, which represents a small increased risk when compared to people without PTSD. People with PTSD most at risk were older people, war veterans, and non-Hispanic white people.

No reviews were identified that assessed type 1 diabetes in people with PTSD.

August 2021

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Last updated at: 12:47 am, 26th October 2021
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
Tags:  Cardiometabolic

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