Seroquel and Diabetes: Understanding the Risk

Seroquel and Seroquel XR are both forms of quetiapine, an atypical anti-psychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Quetiapine is associated with an increased risk of diabetes.

Identification

• According to Seroquel's manufacturer AstraZeneca, studies suggest people taking Seroquel have an increased risk of high-blood glucose levels that can lead to a diagnosis of diabetes.

Significance

• AstraZeneca acknowledges that people taking Seroquel have developed diabetes severe enough to require treatment, ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes that leads to a serious chemical imbalance in the body), coma and even death.

Expert Insight

• AstraZeneca recommends that diabetics and patients at high risk for diabetes, receive a fasting blood glucose test before starting Seroquel. It's also important to repeat this test regularly while you're taking Seroquel.

Speculation

• Schizophrenic patients seem to have a higher risk of diabetes than the general population, and it's difficult to pinpoint how much Seroquel contributes to the development of diabetes in these patients.

Tip

• If you're taking Seroquel, notify your doctor right away if you develop signs and symptoms of high-blood glucose; these may include increased thirst and frequent urination.