Assessment of Plasma Glucose and Lipid Profile Dysregulation among Patients on Antipsychotics in Sokoto

Background: Antipsychotic drugs used in the treatment of psychotic disorders have been implicated in negative effects on the blood glucose and lipid profile levels of patients. Methods: We studied the anthropometric parameters and then the plasma glucose and lipid profile levels of one hundred and seventy-two (172) patients between the ages of 18 and 45 years; who are on various oral antipsychotics. Also, forty (40) treatment-naïve psychiatric patients and forty (40) healthy controls were included in the study. The results were analysed using standard methods. Results: The mean plasma glucose level was significantly higher (p<0.05) in psychiatric patients on oral antipsychotic drugs compared to controls. The mean plasma glucose level of treatment-naïve psychiatric patients was also significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to that of healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in plasma glucose levels of patients on second-generation antipsychotic drugs compared to those on first-generation antipsychotic drugs. The lipid profile of patients on antipsychotic drugs showed a similar trend. There were significant increases in the plasma levels of Total Cholesterol (TC), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TG) and a significant decrease in the plasma level of High-Density. However, the plasma TG levels were significantly higher in the typical antipsychotic drugs group. Lipoprotein (HDL) levels of individuals that were on antipsychotics were significantly decreased when compared to healthy controls Conclusion: The lipid profile and plasma glucose concentration were altered by oral antipsychotic drugs in Sokoto, Nigeria. Therefore, it may be clinically expedient to vigorously assess the plasma glucose and lipid profile levels of all patients that are on oral antipsychotic drugs and interventions planned as appropriate. Keywords: Antipsychotic drugs, lipid profile, glucose, Cholesterol, Lipoprotein