Schizophrenia, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes is increased in patients with schizophrenia. Although many reasons, including hereditary and lifestyle factors, contribute to this association, recently there has been heightened interest in the subject because of the link between the use of the newer atypical anti-psychotic drugs and the development of diabetes. These drugs cause significant weight gain and this may be one of the mechanisms by which they increase incident diabetes. The increased prevalence of diabetes among people with schizophrenia has implications for the delivery of care by psychiatrists, diabetologists and primary care.