Diabetes in Schizophrenia

• What is known about diabetes in schizophrenia?
  Diabetes is a growing public health concern across the world, and its rate is increasing faster among people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. It has been estimated that type 2 diabetes is 2 – 5 times more common among people receiving treatment for schizophrenia.

• What causes diabetes in schizophrenia?
  Unhealthy life styles, poor eating habits and lack of physical activity among the chronically mentally ill increase the risk for weight gain, diabetes and related metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Antipsychotic drugs and mood stabilizers also increase the risk. Other important risk factors include history of diabetes among close relatives, and ethnicity.

• Can it be prevented?
  There is substantial evidence indicating that the occurrence of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or completely prevented through adopting healthy dietary habits, daily exercise in moderation [eg., brisk walking] and other life style changes such as smoking cessation.

• What is the treatment?
  Diabetes in schizophrenia is treated and managed in the same manner as it is done in the general population. This involves the use of dietary regulation, appropriate exercise, prescription medications, various self care measures and regular blood sugar monitoring.

• What we don’t know?
  It is not known exactly how common is diabetes in schizophrenia, who is specially vulnerable, what specific issues increase the risk, and how to make the preventive and treatment programs work for the mentally ill population.