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The Importance of Metabolic Monitoring

Date: 06/28/24

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: 

Source: 1. National Library of Medicine: Ment Health Clin. 2021 Nov; 11(6): 311–319.   



Last Updated: 06/28/2024