
- Psychiatric Times Vol 28 No 10
- Volume 28
- Issue 10
Obesity, Antipsychotics, and Rising Rates of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Sadly, type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing in children and adolescents at a rapid rate associated with rising rates of obesity.
Unlike in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the body still makes insulin but the cells in the body can no longer appropriately utilize the produced insulin-insulin resistance. T2DM is associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Sadly, T2DM is increasing in children and adolescents at a rapid rate associated with rising rates of obesity.
Children, adolescents, and young adults treated with atypical antipsychotic medications with associated weight gain and abdominal girth increase are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome and subsequent T2DM. Careful screening for weight gain and increasing abdominal girth, measuring fasting glucose levels, and obtaining lipid profiles are recommended for all young people treated with atypical antipsychotic medications.
Metabolic syndrome and T2DM may be reversed with diet and exercise, although such lifestyle modifications, which must include both the child and other members of the family, can prove challenging.
References:
Image © iStockphoto.com
Articles in this issue
about 14 years ago
Custody Disputesabout 14 years ago
Familial Influences on Adolescent Substance Useabout 14 years ago
Psychiatric Issues in Children and Adolescents With Diabetesabout 14 years ago
The Psychiatrist’s Role on the Pediatric Palliative Care Teamabout 14 years ago
Introduction: Child Psychiatry Is Not Only About Childrenabout 14 years ago
Modeling Schizophrenia: An In Vitro Model of a Tough Diseaseabout 14 years ago
These Are My Tales: A New Seriesabout 14 years ago
The Link Between Immune System Dysregulation and Schizophreniaabout 14 years ago
The Diagnosisabout 14 years ago
Strategies to Improve Antidepressant Adherence:Newsletter
Receive trusted psychiatric news, expert analysis, and clinical insights — subscribe today to support your practice and your patients.