Diabetes and Mental Illness Challenges and practical progress – MM1603
Severe mental illnesses are associated with premature death and accelerated
cardiometabolic disease. Diabetes contributes substantially to the health burden in severe mental illness, with glycaemic, lipid and hypertension control often below the targets accepted as standard of care. Treatment disparities and unmet health needs are common and contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Screening for diabetes with measurement of fasting glucose levels and/or
HbA1c should be undertaken every six months in people with severe mental
illness. If weight gain occurs in this group, lifestyle strategies to prevent diabetes should be undertaken, with support and follow up.
People with severe mental illness and diabetes should be considered as a
‘special needs’ group, requiring longer, more frequent appointments with regula follow up. Assumptions should not be made about a patient’s healthy behaviour literacy, access to healthy food and food preparation facilities and knowledge and skill sets necessary to prepare healthy meals. People with severe mental illness and diabetes may require supported training in these areas.
Modern Medicine – March 2016
