Professor Reddy features on DVD 'Taking Control: Diabetes, Depression and Anxiety'

Professor Prasuna Reddy, Deputy Director of Health Services Implementation Research within Deakin Population Health, features on a newly released DVD 'Taking Control: Diabetes, Depression and Anxiety'. 

Research has shown a strong link between depression and diabetes. Studies have found that having diabetes almost doubles the risk of developing depression, while depression can double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and also increases the likelihood of diabetes complications.

Professor Reddy explained that depression is common in people with diabetes "…depression in people with diabetes is under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-managed by health professionals, but treating the diabetes is not going to treat the depression".

The DVD features interviews with people who have type 1 or 2 diabetes and depression or anxiety, and health professionals including a psychologist and endocrinologist. The DVD discusses how to manage diabetes and depression or anxiety and features tips for how to take control of these conditions.

The free DVD has been developed by beyondblue: the national depression initiative in partnership with Diabetes Australia-Victoria.  For more information on the DVD, or to order a free copy, visit the beyondblue website.