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Diabetes mellitus in schizophrenic patients
S Mukherjee1, P Decina, V Bocola
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-3800, USA.
Comprehensive Psychiatry
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Diabetes mellitus is more prevalent in individuals with schizophrenia than the general population, with a 15.8% prevalence observed in an Italian long-term care facility. This suggests a universal link between schizophrenia and higher diabetes rates.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Previous studies in the US and Japan suggest a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus in schizophrenic patients compared to the general population.
- This indicates a potential universal phenomenon linking schizophrenia and diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of known diabetes mellitus in a cohort of schizophrenic patients aged 45-74 years in an Italian long-term care facility.
- To compare these rates with general population surveys in Italy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 95 schizophrenic patients aged 45-74 years.
- Data on known diabetes mellitus was collected and analyzed.
- Prevalence rates were calculated and stratified by age groups.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 15.8% (95% CI, 12.1% to 19.5%), significantly higher than general population rates in Italy.
- Diabetes prevalence increased with age, peaking in the 60-69 age group (18.9%).
- Diabetes was more common in patients not receiving neuroleptics compared to those on neuroleptic treatment; no association with anticholinergic drugs was found.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that a higher prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus is a universal phenomenon among schizophrenic patients.
- Age and neuroleptic treatment status appear to be associated with diabetes prevalence in this population.