Diabetes Management in Individuals with Severe Mental Illness and the Role of the Psychiatric Nurse

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by resistant hyperglycemia. The prevalence of diabetes in individuals with severe mental illness is higher than in the healthy population. Diabetes Mellitus is known to develop due to several factors including genetics and lifestyle. In addition, the risk of diabetes is increased due to the side effects of second generation antipsychotic drugs, such as weight gain, glucose metabolism disorders, used by individuals with severe mental illness. Promoting a healthy lifestyle in diabetes management, screening and monitoring patients is an important part of the treatment. This increase in the rates of diabetes in individuals with severe mental illness and the difficulties that patients have in managing both illness require new approaches in health care. The purpose of this review is to shed light on the prevalence and the management of diabetes in individuals with severe mental illness and on the roles of psychiatric nurses.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• psychiatric nursing
• mental illness