Exploring the Link Between Diabetes and Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and diabetes, two seemingly unrelated conditions, have been found to share a connection, particularly in the case of type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that schizophrenia may be linked to reduced energy production in the brain, and the keto diet, with its focus on high-fat, low-carb consumption, could potentially provide an alternative energy source. This diet, by producing ketones, replaces glucose as the primary fuel in the brain, offering energy to insulin-resistant brain cells.
However, the use of antipsychotic drugs, often prescribed to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. This risk is due to both direct effects on insulin sensitivity and indirect causes like weight gain. Atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics, are more likely to cause weight gain and metabolic side effects compared to first-generation antipsychotics.
Genetic and developmental risk factors also play a significant role. Shared genetic predispositions, such as certain gene polymorphisms, combined with environmental influences like oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, unhealthy diet, sleep deprivation, and lifestyle factors can affect brain development and metabolic regulation. Inflammatory processes and hormonal/genetic factors impacting respiratory and metabolic systems may contribute to this comorbidity.
Psychiatric disorders such as ADHD and conduct disorder also indicate overlaps in genetic risk profiles related to schizophrenia, while diabetes risk is influenced by genetic predisposition and modifiable factors like obesity and inactivity.
The increased risk of developing diabetes in people with schizophrenia is evident even at the very beginning of the illness. People with schizophrenia are found to have a 2- to 5-fold greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to the general population. This risk is reflected in higher fasting glucose, insulin, and insulin resistance levels among participants with schizophrenia compared to the control group.
The link between schizophrenia and diabetes may be due to genetic risk and developmental risk factors such as premature birth and low birth weight.
It's crucial for those living with schizophrenia, diabetes, or both to develop a healthy lifestyle and consider discussing the keto diet with their doctor. A 2020 review indicates that several studies demonstrate how a keto diet can help manage symptoms of schizophrenia, improve metabolism, reduce obesity, decrease inflammation, and impact neurotransmitters.
However, it's important to note that there are no effective medications for treating the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia die 15-30 years earlier than the general population, with at least 60% of these early deaths due to cardiovascular causes. This underscores the importance of early lifestyle and medication interventions to combat the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.
People with schizophrenia should be screened for diabetes to better understand and manage this comorbidity. Schizophrenia is often linked to high stress levels, lack of sleep, obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking habit, being unable to hold a full-time job, low socioeconomic levels, and poverty, all of which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, while the connection between schizophrenia and diabetes is complex, understanding this relationship is essential for developing effective strategies to manage and prevent this comorbidity.
