People with serious mental illness have higher rates of type 2 diabetes than the general population, yet their knowledge of diabetes was generally poor and significantly lower than people without mental illness, according to a new study.
This finding “suggests that more education about type 2 diabetes is needed for those suffering from serious mental illnesses,” according to Faith Dickerson, lead author of the study in the latest issue of the journal Psychosomatics.
The research team - from the Sheppard Pratt Health System and the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore - looked at 201 people with both diabetes and either schizophrenia or a major mood disorder.
The study included 100 people with schizophrenia and 101 with major mood disorders -- 97 males, 99 whites, 90 African-Americans, and 12 members of other racial groups. The group’s knowledge of diabetes was tested, and its adherence to self-care activities was measured. These results were compared with those from a non-mentally-ill group that had been previously tested.
Both schizophrenia and major mood disorders may impair cognitive function. They may disrupt normal attentiveness, learning and motivation, attributes considered essential to the self-management of type 2 diabetes.
The researcher found indications that diabetes knowledge may increase if people who also suffer from serious mental illness are instructed specifically about diabetes. Well-structured and very focused educational efforts may improve the their ability to manage their diabetes.
Self-management of type 2 diabetes is essential to prevent future complications. The authors say the relatively high rate of diabetes within this group may contribute to the excess mortality the group experiences.