Glucose levels and depression in Hispanic patients admitted to the cardiovascular intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Depression is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and may worsen DM-related morbidity and mortality. We determined the potential association of glucose levels with depression in Hispanic patients admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. Patients were given the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale survey within 24 hours of admission. Glycated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose levels within 30 days of admission were extracted. The HbA1c levels remained significantly associated with both presence of depression and depression levels. Histories of DM, myocardial infarction, and percutaneous coronary intervention as well as baseline brain natriuretic peptide levels were also significantly associated with depression levels. The presence of a significant association between glucose levels and depression in Hispanic patients indicates that there is a need for optimal management of glycemic levels. This may then lead to better health outcomes in Hispanics with cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Hispanics; depression; diabetes; glucose; glycated hemoglobin; health outcomes.