Saturday Sept 28, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Don't prescribe antidepressants like crazy as these medications could boost the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, researchers from University of Southampton warned.

The researchers conducted a systematic review of 22 studies and found people who took antidepressants were more likely than others to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The magnitude of the risk associated with use of antidepressants found in studies depends on the methods used, the type of antidepressants used and the number of participants involved in a particular study.

In the review published in Diabetes Care, the researchers explain the reasons why antidepressants may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.   At least several antidepressants may increase weight gain which would increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.  But researchers say this effect could not explain 100% of the increase in the risk of the disease and antidepressants or something else may contribute to the risk in other ways.

Patients who treat depression "naturally" may want to try a healthy diet and or dietary or nutritional supplements including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, antioxidants like vitamin c lutein and beta cryptoxanthin, plant-based diet, fruit and vegetables, and Mediterranean diet. (JD)