Diet, diabetes and schizophrenia: review and hypothesis.
BACKGROUND
Diabetes is more common in people with schizophrenia than in the general population.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the possible reasons for the association between diabetes and schizophrenia.


METHODS
Diet and other lifestyle factors in patients with schizophrenia were reviewed as risk factors for diabetes.


RESULTS
People with schizophrenia show features of the metabolic syndrome at the onset of illness, before treatment. They also eat a poor diet, take little exercise and have high rates of smoking. Food intake may be increased further by antipsychotic medication. Nutritional factors appear to have a key role in the development of diabetes in patients with schizophrenia and may also affect the outcome and severity of schizophrenia. A common pathway through which diet might contribute to the development of both diabetes and schizophrenia is proposed.


CONCLUSIONS
Lifestyle factors may influence outcomes in both diabetes and schizophrenia. Lifestyle interventions are the key to improving the long-term health of people with schizophrenia.
Peet
Malcolm
M
Swallownest Court Hospital, Aughton Road, Sheffield S26 4TH, UK. malcompeet@yahoo.com
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents