Narrative review discusses pharmacological and lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes and psychological health

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia, having become one of the most prevalent diseases globally. Type 2 diabetes constitutes the most common form amongst diabetic patients. As the condition progresses, patients typically require long-term medication, imposing significant burdens on daily life. Prolonged treatment is liable to trigger psychological problems such as anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment, which exerts an adverse impact on the long-term management and prognosis of the condition. In recent years, the association between the gut microbiota and diabetes has been increasingly recognised, with the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) playing a significant role. Consequently, this review primarily explores the role of gut microbiota in psychological disorders amongst patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), briefly outlines the association between T2DM and psychological disorders. This article also discusses various therapeutic interventions aimed at alleviating psychological symptoms in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), including pharmacological treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and DPP-4 inhibitors, which not only show potential in regulating blood glucose but also have beneficial effects on mood health. Furthermore, we emphasise lifestyle interventions as an adjunctive approach, which provides a positive impact on improving psychological well-being. This review comprehensively outlines the mechanisms linking T2DM and psychological disorders, offering clinicians a thorough overview of the subject and valuable reference material.