News
The Importance of Metabolic Monitoring
Fecha: 01/07/24
Antipsychotic medications can elevate the risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of signs and symptoms, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, that increases subsequent risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. An increased level of physical activity, improved sleep, and a well-balanced diet, as well as metabolic lab testing are proven interventions that can reduce the risk.1
Provider Tips
- Complete a full comprehensive exam before diagnosing and prescribing.
- Discuss weight management options, physical activity, sleep, and a well-balanced diet.
- Educate patients and their caregivers on the importance of completing annual visits and blood work.
- To increase compliance, consider using standing orders to get HbA1c and LDL-C lab tests.
- Verify the lab is contracted with the health plan to ensure the patient will not incur unnecessary charges.
- Maintain appointment availability and schedule follow-up visits before the patient leaves the office.
- Discuss the importance of disease management, medication adherence and lab work.
- Coordinate care with all medical and behavioral health providers.
- Partner with the health plan, address barriers, and refer patients and caregivers to community-based and Case Management services.
Measures
- Metabolic Monitoring for Children and Adolescents on Antipsychotics (APM)
- Diabetes Screening for People with Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder who are Using Antipsychotic Medications (SSD)
- Cardiovascular Monitoring for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Schizophrenia (SMC)
- Diabetes Monitoring for People with Diabetes and Schizophrenia (SMD)
Additional Support:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
- American Heart Association: www.heart.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): www.samhsa.gov
Source: 1. National Library of Medicine: Ment Health Clin. 2021 Nov; 11(6): 311–319.