Glucose abnormalities in the siblings of people with schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Some studies suggest that schizophrenia may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes, independently of antipsychotic medications and other confounding factors. Previous studies have also suggested that there is an increased prevalence of diabetes in the relatives of schizophrenia probands.


METHODS
First-degree siblings of schizophrenia probands (N=6) and control subjects (N=12) were administered a glucose tolerance test. Subjects were matched for gender, age, body mass index, neighborhood of residence, socio-economic status and smoking habits.


RESULTS
The siblings of schizophrenia probands had a significantly increased two-hour mean glucose concentration compared to the control subjects (respective means [SD] were 100.5 mg/dL [27.7] vs. 78.0 [12.3]; p<0.03). Baseline glucose concentrations did not differ.


CONCLUSIONS
Although confirmation with larger samples is needed, these results and other studies suggest that diabetes may share familial risk factors with schizophrenia.
Hospital Clinic Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.
Emilio
E
Fernandez-Egea
Miguel
M
Bernardo
Eduard
E
Parellada
Azucena
A
Justicia
Clemente
C
Garcia-Rizo
Enric
E
Esmatjes
Ignacio
I
Conget
Brian
B
Kirkpatrick
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*
D001786:Blood Glucose