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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 27 No. 5 2004
Diabetes and antipsychotic drugs
People with schizophrenia have an increased chance of developing diabetes. The risk of diabetes can also be increased by some of the medicines used to treat schizophrenia.
Patients with diabetes and schizophrenia need to have their blood tested to make sure it does not contain too much sugar. They can put on weight so they usually have to follow a weight reduction diet and increase physical activity. This may be difficult, but can help to prevent heart disease. It is important not to stop taking the medicines, despite the risk of diabetes, as schizophrenia is likely to get worse if treatment is stopped.
