Optimization of Early Diagnosis of Glucose Metabolism Impairment for Patients Receiving Antipsychotic Medications at the Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic of the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Patients using antipsychotic drugs are more likely than the general population to suffer glucose metabolism dysfunctions. Patients who take antipsychotic drugs, particularly second-generation antipsychotics, are four times more likely to develop overweight, obesity, and diabetes type 2. Failing to recognize these metabolic issues puts an individual at risk of developing cardio-metabolic and others disorders that potentially worsen psychiatric problems. For controlling and enhancing potential psychiatric treatment outcomes, early diagnosis and treatment of glucose metabolism dysfunction are crucial. Objective: To optimize the early diagnosis of glucose metabolism impairments in patients with psychiatric disorders treated with antipsychotic medications. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted at the outpatient psychiatric clinic of the University Teaching Hospital (Lusaka, Zambia). A systematic sampling method was applied to all patients who were receiving antipsychotic drugs. All participants were checked for their weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, random, and fasting blood glucose levels respectively. The results were analyzed by using SPSS software (version 20), while Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the relationship between categorical variables. Results: The proportion of individuals with impaired fasting blood glucose levels found in this study was 11.1% and that of individuals with diabetes was 10.0% respectively which is higher compared to the general population. Patients who were receiving second-generation antipsychotics showed a slightly higher proportion of impaired fasting blood glucose levels compared to those on conventional antipsychotic medications. Conclusion: The glucose metabolism deficit in patients with psychotic disorders was found to be high. Patients of both sexes had an equal chance of developing the problem, though females had a higher proportion as compared to males, and it is not time-dependent. Older patients showed a higher proportion of impaired fasting blood glucose levels compared to younger ones. It is recommended that basic screening measures of glucose metabolism parameters that are simple and cost-effective, like checking weight, BMI, waist circumferences, and regular checking of blood glucose levels, be routine practice in all psychiatric settings before starting antipsychotic medications.