Incident depression in people with comorbid type 2 diabetes and chronic gastritis/duodenitis: a large-scale cohort study

Objectives Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic gastritis/duodenitis (CGD) are both strongly associated with the onset of depression. However, the impact of T2D-CGD comorbidity on incident depression remains unclear. Methods This prospective cohort study utilized data from 387 149 participants in the UK Biobank to examine the relationship between T2D-CGD comorbidity and incident depression. Results Patients with T2D exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of developing CGD than those without T2D (odds ratio = 2.10, 95% CI = [1.97, 2.24]). Both T2D and CGD were independently associated with an increased risk of incident depression, with their comorbidity demonstrating the strongest associations (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.29, 95% CI = [1.84, 2.85]). Notably, the comorbidity was linked to an elevated risk of depression within 15 years of disease onset. White matter hyperintensity, particularly near the cerebral ventricles, partially mediated the relationship between T2D-CGD comorbidity and incident depression. Conclusions Integrated screening and long-term monitoring strategies should be prioritized for population with the comorbidity of T2D and CGD, as it significantly elevates the risk of incident depression. White matter hyperintensity can serve as an imaging biomarker for detecting the risk of depression in patients with T2D-CGD comorbidity.