Abstract
In the USA approximately 20.8 million persons are estimated to have
diabetes mellitus (DM). Nearly one-third are undiagnosed. The total
combined direct and indirect costs associated with DM approximates
$132 billion annually.1 An increased prevalence of DM has been observed
in patients also diagnosed with mental illness. Major depressive disorders
have been observed in 10-15% of those diagnosed with DM, which is
about twice the rate found in the general population.2 Anxiety, other
mood disorders, and dementia are associated with an increased risk for
diabetes.3,4 Schizophrenia, in particular, has been associated with insulin
resistance and glucose intolerance, with a tendency towards developing
DM.4,5 There are several nutritional reasons for this increased association
between psychiatric disorders and DM.