Depression can play direct role in developing type 2 diabetes, says study

A nurse giving a patient a diabetes test. Researchers have found a causal relationship suggesting depression may be a cause of the condition. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Depression can play a direct role in the development of type 2 diabetes, according to research that experts say could help boost efforts to prevent the condition.

Researchers have found a causal relationship and shared genetics suggesting depression may be a cause of type 2 diabetes, a disease with which more than 500 million people worldwide live.