The association between insulin resistance and depressive symptoms – A national representative cross-sectional study

Increasing evidence suggests a positive association between insulin resistance (IR) and depression. However, whether sex-or body mass index–specific differences exist remains controversial, and only few studies have analyzed specific symptom domains. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the association between IR and depressive symptom domains and to clarify the effects of sex and body mass index. The study sample comprised 4007 participants, aged 19–79, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Study 2020. Participants completed health interviews and examinations, providing data on circulating insulin and glucose levels, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and related covariates. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Associations between IR and PHQ-9 were analyzed using negative binomial regression with adjustments for the complex survey design. The association between log-transformed IR and PHQ-9 total scores was statistically significant (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–1.29, p = 0.001). Only body mass index specific differences were statistically significant, as the association was only significant in those without obesity (IRR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.38, p = 0.005). IR was associated with cognitive/affective (IRR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.08–1.41, p = 0.002) and somatic (IRR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.04–1.25, p = 0.005) depressive symptom domains. Sensitivity analyses revealed similar results. IR was positively associated with cognitive/affective and somatic depressive symptoms in non-obese individuals. •Insulin resistance is associated with depressive symptoms.•Insulin resistance is associated with depressive symptoms in those without obesity.•Insulin resistance is associated with both depressive symptom domains.