A new study from New York University suggests that the relationship between type 2 diabetes and depression goes both ways—people who are diabetic have a 54 percent increased risk of becoming depressed and people who suffer from depression have a 34 percent risk for developing diabetes. It is estimated that over 2.7 million African Americans are living with diabetes, and African Americans suffer from depression at the same rates as whites.

Experts are becoming more knowledgeable about why these connections exist. They believe that undiagnosed diabetics did not show a rise in depression until they were diagnosed and had to deal with the stresses associated with monitoring and treating the disease. On the flip side, statistics show that people who are depressed are more likely to eat more, exercise less and smoke, consequently putting them at higher risk for developing diabetes. The study researchers are hoping that doctors consider their findings when dealing with patients.

Learn more about diabetes here and depression here.