[Diabetes and schizophrenia, which links?]

Abstract

WHAT IS OBSERVED: Epidemiology and clinical practice show an increased prevalence of diabetes in schizophrenic patients, preceding even the use of antipsychotics. Several patho-physiological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the phenomenon, although none is completely satisfactory. SEVERE CONSEQUENCES: Diabetic schizophrenics exhibit a significantly greater number of other physical diseases than non-diabetic schizophrenic patients. These diseases are at the origin of early mortality and reduced quality of life. THE NEED FOR SCREENING: Schizophrenic patients should be included in the groups of those at risk for diabetes, together with patients treated with anti-psychotics. Diabetes is diagnosed if fasting blood sugar is>7.0 mmol/L and a glucose tolerance test>11,1 mmol/L.

In practice: The epidemiology and extent of the impact on mortality and morbidity of the association between schizophrenia and diabetes mellitus requires particular attention of the practitioners and the screening for diabetes, its prevention and treatment must be conducted according to regularly updated guidelines.