Background: A diagnosis of schizophrenia, as well as the use of atypical antipsychotic medications, have previously been linked with a higher prevalence of diabetes.
Methods: 670 patients from a single out-patient clinic were analysed (Chi-square) to determine if diagnosis or antipsychotic treatment had an effect on the prevalence of diabetes. The overall rate of diabetes was also compared to the national average.
Results: No significant effects of antipsychotic class or diagnosis were found on prevalence, and the prevalence was not significantly different to the national average.
Interpretation: This work may point to a need to carry out a systematic assessment of these patients for Metabolic Syndrome or diabetes as a thorough review/screen for these patients.