Relationship between insulin-biochemical resistance levels and the degree of depression and anxiety in patients from Honduras

Abstract

Background/purpose Many studies suggest that insulin resistance in obese patients bridges mental illness. Our objective was to identify the association between levels of depression and anxiety with insulin resistance, and its relationship with obesity and abdominal obesity Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Honduras. Sociodemographic variables, anthropometric parameters, HOMA index, and level of severity of anxiety and depression were collected, and a descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate were performed. Results In a sample of 381 adult patients, the bivariate analysis showed a statistic association of insulin resistance with all remaining variables. However, multivariate analysis showed a significative association of anxiety with BMI, depression, waist circumference, and insulinemia, while depression was associated with HOMA, anxiety, insulinemia, glycemia, and waist circumference. Conclusions Our results provide important evidence of a direct and growing association between HOMA-IR and the severity of depression, and indirectly with anxiety. Secondarily, also with anthropometric factors (BMI and WC), traditionally associated with cardiovascular risk. This finding has important implications both for the early diagnosis of these mental pathologies, taking into account HOMA-IR values, and for preventive interventions focused on maintaining blood insulin levels.