Antipsychotics in Pregnancy Double Diabetes Risk, Researchers Say
Women who take antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy are much more likely to develop diabetes and give birth to smaller babies, researchers report.
Scientists at the University of Uppsala in Sweden reviewed data on nearly 360,000 Swedish women who gave birth between 2005 and 2009. Antipsychotic drug use among those women was uncommon, with only 507 recorded as having taken them.
The two drugs found to be most commonly associated with “adverse metabolic effects” were Zyprexa and Clozaril.
— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly
Wait, before you go…MedPage Today:
Analysis of Swedish national birth and health registry data showed that, relative to mothers-to-be not taking antipsychotic drugs, the risk of gestational diabetes was nearly doubled, according to Robert Bodén, MD, PhD, of Uppsala University in Uppsala, Sweden, and colleagues.
… Bodén and colleagues explained that babies born large for gestational age have previously been associated with gestational diabetes. Because the fetus is not insulin resistant, the high levels of sugar to which it is exposed prompt high levels of insulin secretion, which, in turn, produces macrosomia and increased fetal size.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.