People living with diabetes may be able to reduce their risk of developing depression and other mood disorders by including a common medication in the management of their condition, new research has found.

The 12-year study of the Taiwanese adult population found diabetes obset increased the risk of mood disorders, predominantly depression, by more than 2.5 times.

However, researchers found that when metformin was included in the treatment of diabetes, the incidence of mood disorders was reduced by more than 50%.

Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. Taken orally, it helps control blood sugar levels.