Bipolar Disorder Meds Increase Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

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Bipolar Disorder Meds Increase Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2

Diabetes

From Debra Manzella, R.N.,

http://diabetes.about.com/od/equipmentandbreakthroughs/qt/bipolardiabe

tes.htm

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions, including insulin

resistance, that can often lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes if

it is not reversed with diet and exercise. But sometimes factors

beyond our control may cause metabolic syndrome.

Bipolar disorder is a medical condition with symptoms that include

extremes of mood known as depression and mania. Many of the

medications prescribed for bipolar disorder can place people at risk

for developing metabolic syndrome.

According to the online journal, Bipolar Disorders:

" The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar

disorder is alarmingly high, as it is for the general population

The prevalence of obesity is even higher than the already very high

prevalence that has been estimated for the US general population. "

Many of the medications used to manage bipolar disorder are thought

to contribute to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and type 2

diabetes. Not all medications used for bipolar disorder cause

metabolic symptoms but the medications listed here are more prone to

causing weight gain, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia (high blood

glucose levels) and other signs associated with metabolic syndrome.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) - weight gain, hyperglycemia

Sodium valproate and valproic acid (Depakote) - weight gain

Clozapine (clozaril) - weight gain, hyperglycemia

Quetiapine (Seroquel) - weight gain, hyperglycemia

Risperidone (Risperdal) - weight gain, hyperglycemia

Lithium - transient hyperglycemia

Many physicians have become aware of the implications of bipolar

disorder and the accompanying medications on the development of

metabolic syndrome and diabetes. According to the online journal,

Psychiatric Times, of January 2007:

" Considering the emerging recognition of the true enormity of the

metabolic consequences of bipolar disorder, drugs with an

advantageous metabolic profile should be considered as first-line

therapy in the long-term management of this condition. "

In other words, medications that don't cause the symptoms of

metabolic syndrome should be prescribed first. Only if those drugs

are ineffective in treating bipolar disorder, then should the drugs

that are likely to cause metabolic syndrome be prescribed. Also if

patients are on those drugs, they should be monitored for weight

gain, high cholesterol and insulin resistance and glucose

intolerance.