Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation in a representative sample of Canadians with Type 1 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus and suicide

“…[1416] The size of the population assessed have varied from less than 100[23] to over 80,000. [14] Studies have come mainly from Scandinavian countries and USA,[1017202122232425262728] though there are few studies from other countries too. [131518192930]…”

“…Some of the studies focusing on suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with DM have found that suicidal risk is higher in patients with diabetes. [1314151620] However, two studies have found that patients with diabetes had lower rate of suicidal ideation as compared to healthy controls[19] and patients with other medical disorder. [18] Depression has been reported to be the most common psychiatric disorder in persons with DM who attempted suicide.…”

Suicide Risk in Adolescents with Diabetes: A Case Report

“…While the prevalence of depressed mood among youth with diabetes is similar to that of published estimates of depressed mood among youth without diabetes [3], there is some evidence suggesting that patients with diabetes may be at a higher risk for suicide related thoughts [4] and behaviors [5]. Some studies suggest that suicidal ideation is more common among adolescents with diabetes than adolescents without the diagnosis, with the rate of suicidal ideation ranging from 15-27% [4,[6][7][8] and suicide attempts ranging from 4-11% [4,5]. Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus Type I present a uniquely high risk for suicide due to access to a potentially lethal means for suicide attempts: insulin.…”

“…Additionally, the patient in this case report had a history of poorly controlled diabetes, which likely contributed to her worsening depressive and suicide-related symptoms, and vice-versa. There is evidence suggesting a strong relationship between suicidal ideation and serious noncompliance with medical treatment as depressed mood frequently contributes to poor adherence to diabetic and self-care regimens, participation in exercise, glucose monitoring, and medication compliance [6]. The role of gender must also be taken into account in this case, as the likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation to be even more pronounced in female than male diabetic patients, with one study finding females to have a 9x higher risk for recurrent and protracted depression [8,9].…”

“…Misuse of insulin is a common and concerning method for self-harm and suicide-related behaviors in adolescents with diabetes [4,5]. In a sample of youth with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, those who attempted suicide commonly used diabetes-related methods [6,7]. The following case report examines the suicide attempt via insulin injection of an adolescent female with Diabetes Mellitus Type I.…”