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Olanzapine-induced diabetes mellitus
D G Bonanno1, L Davydov, S R Botts
1Pharmacy Department, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA. dgraci@hotmail.com
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|May 11, 2001
Summary
New-onset diabetes mellitus can occur after starting olanzapine treatment. Healthcare providers should monitor patients for diabetes risk factors and consider glucose monitoring during olanzapine therapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizoaffective disorder.
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia.
Observation:
- Two male patients with schizoaffective disorder developed new-onset diabetes mellitus shortly after initiating olanzapine.
- The onset of diabetes occurred within weeks to months of starting olanzapine treatment.
Findings:
- The development of diabetes mellitus appears to be a rare but potential adverse effect of olanzapine.
- Hypothesized mechanisms include pancreatic islet cell damage, weight gain, sympathetic dysregulation, and insulin resistance.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of this olanzapine-induced diabetes risk is crucial for clinicians.
- Patients with risk factors like obesity or family history may require closer monitoring.
- Periodic serum glucose monitoring may be beneficial for individuals on olanzapine therapy.