[Diabetes mellitus type II--induced by "atypical" neuroleptics?]

After the introduction of the so-called "atypical antipsychotics" in the clinical practice hyperglycemia as well as increased triglyceride and cholesterol serum levels were reported in patients treated with some of these agents. The studies and case reports available up to now were reviewed. Some epidemiologic studies show that diabetes mellitus occurs more often in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics if compared to conventional antipsychotics. The available data show that hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus type II were particularly observed in patients receiving clozapine and olanzapine. Also diabetic ketoacidosis was most frequently reported in patients treated with these drugs. The underlying pathomechanism still remains widely unclear. There is some evidence for an important role of insulin and also leptin. Their secretion seems to be influenced by some atypical antipsychotics. Since overweight is a known risk-factor for diabetes mellitus type II, the weight inducing effect of atypical antipsychotics may also play an important role. Since diabetes mellitus type II often lead to severe diseases, the serum glucose levels should be paid more attention in the treatment with atypical neuroleptics.