Depressive Symptoms are Associated with High Levels of Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is common in older adults, who also present a high level of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as dyslipidemia. However, the role of depression in T2DM patients and its relationship with CVD risk factors are understudied. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms (DS) and known cardiovascular risk factors in community dwelling older adults with T2DM. This is a cross sectional study, in which 85 community-dwelling older adults with T2DM were assessed. DS was assessed using the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale - short version (GDS-15). The following cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated: systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile (serum triglycerides - TG, serum total cholesterol - TC, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol - LDL-C, and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol - HDL-C) and body mass index (BMI). Poisson multiple regression was performed to test the association between DS and each cardiovascular risk factor adjusted by sex, age, time spent in moderate physical activity, and functional status. The significance level adopted for the analysis was 5%. Among all the analyzed risk factors, only high levels of LDL-C were related to high DS (PR=1.005, CI 95% 1.002-1.008). A significant association was observed between HDL-C levels (PR=0.99, CI 95% 0.98-0.99) and SBP (PR=1.009, CI 95% 1.004-1.014). In older adults with T2DM, the presence of DS was associated with LDL-C, HDL-C levels and SBP, even after adjusting for sex, age, physical activity level and functional capacity. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).