Type 2 Diabetes Linked too Increased Schizophrenia Risk: Israeli Study Reveals Potential Connection
Israeli researchers have found a notable correlation between type 2 diabetes and the development of schizophrenia in adulthood, suggesting a possibly reversed association between the two conditions. Dr. Levine, who has studied schizophrenia for two decades - including risks among Holocaust survivors – highlights considerable scientific evidence indicating individuals with schizophrenia are at increased risk for diabetes. His research now proposes exploring whether this relationship also works in the opposite direction.
The study revealed a significantly higher incidence of adult-onset schizophrenia among people with type 2 diabetes. While the general rate of adult-onset schizophrenia was approximately 1.2 cases per 100,000 people per year,this number nearly doubled to 2.6 cases per 100,000 people per year within the diabetic population.
Several factors may contribute to this link. Certain antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia can alter metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Tho, Dr. Levine believes “There is no reason why the association should not be reversed.”
Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic disease often linked to obesity and inactivity, affects nearly 600 million people globally as of 2024, with projections exceeding 850 million by 2050. The International Diabetes Federation estimates the highest prevalence will be in the Middle East and North Africa. In Israel,diabetes rates have risen from 6.6% of the population in 2012 to 7.4% in 2023. The disease is characterized by high blood sugar and can lead to serious complications including blindness, kidney dysfunction, and limb amputation. Rising rates globally are attributed to increased rates of overweight individuals, decreased physical activity, and increased life expectancy.
Schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population (including in Israel), typically manifests in early adulthood. Dr. Levine describes the condition as involving “hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and cognitive impairment,” and notes it “persists throughout life, causing functional impairment, occupational impairment, as well as stigma and social and family challenges.”
Dr. Levine suggests that given the known higher rates of depression in individuals with diabetes, healthcare providers could easily incorporate brief psychological screening tests during routine follow-up appointments. He believes early identification of psychotic experiences in diabetic patients could reduce suffering and alleviate the burden on caregivers. He also points out that lower estrogen levels in women after middle age may also play a role in late-onset schizophrenia.
