Risperidone-associated new-onset diabetes

Background: Weight gain, and its associated complications such as the devel opment of diabetes, is becoming increasingly recognized as an important pot ential side effect of the novel antipsychotic drugs. Methods: Two retrospective cases are described in which patients with schiz ophrenia developed diabetes while taking the antipsychotic medication rispe ridone. Results: Both patients had preexisting risk factors for diabetes and develo ped insulin resistance in the context of weight gain. Both cases necessitat ed medical intervention and one patient requires ongoing treatment with ins ulin. Conclusions: Although the exact mechanism of antipsychotic induced diabetes remains obscure, weight gain appears to be a significant risk factor. Care ful monitoring of weight and fasting glucoses is recommended for any patien t taking novel antipsychotic medications. (C) 2001 Society of Biological Ps ychiatry.