Antipsychotics Trigger Rapid Diabetes Risk: Study

The initial 90 days of antipsychotic treatment are crucial for monitoring weight and blood sugar, as significant metabolic changes linked to type 2 diabetes can emerge during this period. Research analyzing nearly 97,000 individuals in England found that blood sugar and weight increased substantially faster within the first three months of starting medications like olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, or aripiprazole. Olanzapine was associated with the largest early increases in both metrics. Individuals with prediabetes demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes within two years compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. Women experienced faster increases in both blood sugar and weight gain during the initial 90-day period compared to men. These findings highlight the importance of early monitoring to identify potential issues and offer timely support, particularly for at-risk populations.