People who take atypical antipsychotics have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Atypical antipsychotics are usually used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety disorder, Austism Spectrum Disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

If you already have diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels outside target range) when starting antipsychotics.

While it is not clear why atypical antipsychotics affect blood glucose levels, it is believed that these medications stop the brain from sensing when the body has had enough to eat, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance.

If you are taking atypical antipsychotics and experiencing blood glucose levels higher than the recommended target, you should NOT stop taking your medication. Instead, it is important that you discuss this with your GP, endocrinologist, physician or psychiatrist.

For more information contact:

• Your state based diabetes organisation infoline on 1800 637 700
• Beyond Blue