Schizophrenia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Prevalence and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of schizophrenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Taiwan.

METHODS: National Health Insurance claims data for patients with principal diagnoses of schizophrenia and T2DM were analysed.

RESULTS: Compared with patients with schizophrenia in the general population (GP), those with schizophrenia and T2DM were more likely to have higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores and multiple comorbidities, and were older. The prevalence of schizophrenia was significantly higher in patients with T2DM than in the GP from 2000 to 2010. In addition, during this period, the prevalence of schizophrenia in patients with T2DM increased from 0.64% to 0.85%; such an increase in the GP was also observed. A high prevalence of schizophrenia was observed in patients with T2DM aged less than 60 years old; those residing in eastern Taiwan; those with incomes of ≤NT$17,280, NT$17,281-NT$22,880, NT$22,881-NT$28,800, and NT$36,301-NT$45,800; and those with CCI > 2.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study found the prevalence of schizophrenia is higher in patients with T2DM than in the GP, particularly those with earlier ages less than 60 years old. Public health initiatives are necessary to prevent and treat schizophrenia in patients with T2DM, specifically for those with the aforementioned and premature death risk.