(July 27, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Older diabetes patients taking antipsychotic medications appear to have an increased risk of hyperglycemia, according to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Here is some important information about hyperglycemia:

• It is a condition in which there is too much sugar in the blood

• Chronic hyperglycemia can cause organ damage, neurological or cardiovascular damage, or loss of vision.

• Acute hyperglycemia is an extreme medical emergency, and can be life-threatening.

Researchers from the University of Toronto studied nearly 14,000 individuals with diabetes, aged 66 years or older, who were beginning treatment with antipsychotic medications, and tracked hospitalizations for hyperglycemia during the observation period.

Overall, patients who were just beginning antipsychotic drug treatment were at the greatest risk of needing hospitalization for hyperglycemia. Those who were already on the medication were also at an increased risk compared to those who had discontinued treatment 180 days prior. Previous evidence suggests that the neurotransmitter dopamine has a role in regulating blood glucose levels, which may be an explanation for the correlation between antipsychotic drugs and hyperglycemia.

Today's research suggests that antipsychotic drug use in elderly diabetes patients may lead to an increased risk of hospitalization for hyperglycemia.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.