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Published on: May 10, 2018
Diabetic control and atypical antipsychotics: a case report.
Romina Lopez Gaston1, Mohan George, Nangai Azhahan
1Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital (University Hospital), Birmingham, UK. logaston1@hotmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|May 16, 2008
Summary
Schizophrenia patients on antipsychotics face metabolic risks. Switching to aripiprazole may help manage type 2 diabetes and improve glucose regulation in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Individuals with schizophrenia have a higher incidence of metabolic disturbances.
- Antipsychotic medications may worsen metabolic complications, including glucose dysregulation.
- Ongoing research investigates the specific impact of antipsychotics on glucose metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential mechanisms of antipsychotic medication effects on glucose regulation.
- To present a case study illustrating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 50-year-old male diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
- Analysis of glucose regulation changes during treatment with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) including olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole.
- Review of concomitant antidiabetic drug management.
Main Results:
- The patient developed type 2 diabetes mellitus while on olanzapine and risperidone.
- Hypoglycemic episodes occurred when switching to aripiprazole, necessitating antidiabetic treatment adjustments.
- The patient no longer required antidiabetic treatment while on aripiprazole during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Balancing mental illness control with medication side effects is a clinical challenge.
- Caution is advised when switching SGAs in patients with diabetes.
- Aripiprazole may be a viable therapeutic option for patients with schizophrenia who develop type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
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