Diabetes and anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although some studies have been conducted on the association between diabetes and anxiety symptoms, the data on this association remain controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine the association between diabetes and anxiety symptoms. The authors systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until July 2018. After the screening process, 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Stata-14 was used for meta-analyzing. Forest plot was calculated for the whole 23 studies and subgroups, and publication bias was also examined. Overall, diabetes was positively associated with anxiety; pooled odds ratio was equal to1.48; 95% confidence interval was 1 .27–1.74. In cross-sectional study, the result was odds ratio = 1.50; 95% confidence interval = 1.26–1.77, and in prospective-cohort study, the result was odds ratio = 1.34; 95% confidence interval = 1.21–1.49. There was small evidence of publication bias. Overall, our findings indicate that diabetes is a risk factor for anxiety symptoms. Therefore, having a healthy medical condition can be an anxiety prevention agent.