Schizophrenia is a risk factor for which metabolic abnormality?

Schizophrenia is a risk factor for which metabolic abnormality?

• A. Glucose Intolerance
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Lipodystrophy
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (A)

Schizophrenia, especially when treated with second-generation antipsychotics, frequently leads to weight gain and insulin resistance. When the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, glucose remains high after meals, producing impaired glucose tolerance. This prediabetic state is part of the metabolic syndrome that can progress to type 2 diabetes if not addressed. While hyperglycemia can occur later, the first and most direct metabolic abnormality linked to schizophrenia and its treatment is glucose intolerance. Hypoglycemia and lipodystrophy are not typical early associations in this context.

Schizophrenia, especially when treated with second-generation antipsychotics, frequently leads to weight gain and insulin resistance. When the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, glucose remains high after meals, producing impaired glucose tolerance. This prediabetic state is part of the metabolic syndrome that can progress to type 2 diabetes if not addressed. While hyperglycemia can occur later, the first and most direct metabolic abnormality linked to schizophrenia and its treatment is glucose intolerance. Hypoglycemia and lipodystrophy are not typical early associations in this context.