Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Diabetes and antipsychotics


Can antipsychotic drugs increase Type 2 diabetes?

One class of drugs known to increase risk of diabetes is the older antipsychotics. Now there is evidence that even the newer antipsychotic, esp. zipradisone, may increase the risk of diabetes in young people.

It has been known for a long time that antipsychotics increase risk of type 2 diabetes in adults but children have not been extensively studied. Now research reveals that almost the entire class of newer antipsychotics can also induce diabetes in children and teenagers.

It is important for all consumers who are prescribed these drugs to know the side effects. Unfortunately, there are few alternatives to antipsychotics for people who have mental problems. Type 2 diabetes is a preventable disorder and one must institute drastic changes in lifestyle to lower the risk of this chronic disorder. The weight gain after antipsychotics is significant and apparent within a few months.

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