IN2D
IN2D stands for International Network on Diabetes and Depression.
Our network project is based on a grant by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The network focuses on exchange between our partner institutions for the purpose of academic benefits, research advancement and cultural understanding. We offer help with both organization and funding of exchange activities for students, PhD candidates, investigators and university staff
Why Diabetes and Depression?
Diabetes and depression are two major global epidemic challenges of our modern societies. According to the WHO, 347 million people are currently suffering from diabetes and about the same number from depression. Studies have shown that diabetic patients, both type 1 and type 2, are more likely to develop psychological disorders and to show alterations in their mental functioning. High rates of co-morbidity of depression and diabetes have been reported. The prevalence rate of depression is more than three-times higher in people with type 1 diabetes and nearly twice as high in people with type 2 diabetes compared to those without. Diabetic individuals with depressive symptoms have a severely lower diabetes specific quality of life. The mechanisms for this well established interdependence are yet not fully understood.
Studies have also shown a clear link between depression and the development of diabetes, proving that patients with depression have a 60% greater risk to develop type 2 diabetes. Of great importance for effective treatment, depression affects a patient's capacity to deal with their diabetes, including managing blood glucose levels appropriately and therefore metabolic and glycemic discrepancies occur, which then further intensifying the symptoms of depression, leading to a downward spiral. It has been well documented that the association of depression and type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced adherence to medication and self-care management, poor glycemic control, increased health care utilization, increased costs and elevated risk of complications, as well as mortality. Depression is associated with an almost 1.5-fold increased risk of mortality in people with diabetes. Elucidation of the underlying biological mechanisms would provide new opportunities for translation of research into improved clinical outcomes of diabetic patients.
Our network consists of five partner universities, with strong support of associated non-university partner institutions. The collaboration of our institutions ensures high standard opportunities for students on academic and research level.