Depression is commonly described among Diabetic patients, which causes significant morbidity and mortality. For prevention, anti-depressive agents along with continued treatment, are required for better compliance. Thus, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of Escitalopram (SSRI) for better glycemic control in Diabetic Depressive patients.

A recent study assessed the effect of Escitalopram (SSRI) on glycemic control in Type-2 Diabetic Depressive patients.

The study enrolled 35 diabetic and newly diagnosed depressive patients, who were administered tab. Escitalopram with continued diabetic treatment. Pre- and post-baseline investigations (FBG, Postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c levels) were performed on day 1, followed up at 6 weeks,12 weeks, and then compared.

In Patients treated with Escitalopram, pretreatment showed a mean baseline FBG of 10.41 ±1.84mmol/L which was reduced to 8.56±1.55 mmol/L at 6 weeks and 7.51±1.26mmol/ L on 12 weeks. Similarly, baseline means 2HABF (postprandial) blood glucose was 14.16±2.48mmol/L which was reduced to 12.41.01±2.34 mmol/L on 6 weeks and 10.96±1.75 mmol/L at 12 weeks. Mean baseline HbA1c was 8.88±0.67% which was reduced to 7.82±0.98% after 12 weeks. Thus a significant change in blood glucose and HbA1c levels was observed compared to pretreatment with Escitalopram.

Hence, it is clear that a co-treatment with Escitalopram has better efficacy on glycemic control in Diabetic Depressive patients than in patients treated with antidiabetic alone.

Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2021; 29(2):100-104. https://doi.org/10.3329/ssmcj.v29i2.58854