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Researchers reveal that people with schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

A research published in JAMA revealed that people with schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to their peers. Type 2 diabetes develops if the body does not have the capability to produce its own insulin, which is a hormone that transforms sugar as a fuel, as explained by Psychology Today.

Oliver Howes, the lead researcher of the study, along with the research paper's first author, Toby Pillinger, summarized their findings in regards to the factors that cause blood sugar to increase among patients with schizophrenia. They checked on the correlation of the person's blood sugar level and the individual's mental state.

They came up with a total of 1,345 subjects which include 713 patients and 614 control. It was revealed that patients who were diagnosed with early schizophrenic traits have problems with their blood sugar regulation. These patients are also said to have higher blood sugar levels, insulin levels, and insulin resistance compared to the control group.

It still remains unclear as to what influenced the blood sugar levels of people with schizophrenia to increase. There are several contributing factors that can influence the blood sugar increase including the patients' diet, lifestyle, and medication.

The researchers are still working on way to pinpoint and identify the correlation between the mental health disorder and type 2 diabetes. It was strongly advised however that health care professionals and caretakers of people with schizophrenia should be keen on monitoring the patient's diet.

Aside from the patients' diet, it was mentioned that they should also engage in physical activities, thus exercise is highly recommended. Aside from schizophrenia diabetes can also be linked to other mental health disorders, according to the NCBI.

The claims that people with schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing diabetes still remains unclear as researchers are yet to pinpoint the exact cause. The correlation of diabetes and psychiatric disorders has been discussed with regard to aetio-pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management but further studies need to be done for them to come up with concrete answers.