The Strange Connection Between Bipolar Disorder
and Type 2 Diabetes
There is a strong connection between bipolar disorder and type 2 diabetes, and researchers have noticed the link. A study from Canada reveals that people with bipolar disorder are three times more likely to have type 2 diabetes. Obesity and other risk factors play a role, but there may be something else affecting their health.
Research Support
Although patients have noticed the connection for years, it took researchers time to find it. A study from Canada shows that people with bipolar disorder have a greater chance of having diabetes, and they are more likely to struggle to control it. Researchers urge doctors to pay attention to blood sugar levels in bipolar patients and test them frequently. They also encourage doctors to set up action plans to help them manage their diets, medications and exercise routines.
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Many people with bipolar disorder struggle with obesity and poor diets, so they immediately put themselves at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of all bipolar patients may be overweight. They may need the support of family, friends and medical practitioners to help them control their weight and avoid diabetes.
Bipolar Medications and Type 2 Diabetes
Some medications can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes. Drugs such as lithium and others have been linked to patients gaining pounds without changing their diets. This may require some medication adjustments or diet changes.
Unknown Factors
Some researchers believe there may be other factors affecting the link between bipolar disorder and type 2 diabetes. Could bipolar disorder be affecting metabolism through brain changes? Medications and problems controlling diets are not enough to explain all of the cases. Scientists continue to explore the two conditions in the hopes of uncovering more answers.
Lana Bandoim is a freelance writer and editor. Her work has been published on websites ranging from Yahoo! News to Technorati.
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Hello Colleen, Thanks for this article. Type 2 diabetes is worst.
This is interesting. I can now see the connection. It’s a shame that some medications that are supposed to be helping can actually compound the situation.
I am a woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 42 years old. At that time I had no medications, no weight problem and no other illnesses. After being given several medications within a month I gained 30 pounds. The doctors changed and adjusted medications many times over the years. Later my thyroid stopped working,
so I started a new medication, gained 30 pounds. With that I developed diabetes 2 and remain on a diabetic diet and then given high blood pressure med. It has been 20 years now and I still have tried and cannot lose the weight because of the meds. I now have sleep apnea and use a bi-pap machine when I sleep. Modern medicine is great but has not supplied me with all the answers yet.