Helpful Tips and Information
We want to share with you some helpful tips, information and resources to help you understand the benefits and services you get as a member of our plan.
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Learn More About Different Health Conditions
Let's Talk About Mental Illness and Diabetes
People living with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are often prescribed antipsychotic medicines. Certain medicines are known to decrease symptoms and improve daily living. They also increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Increased daily movement, improved sleep, eating healthier foods, and getting blood work can reduce the risk.
What You Can Do:
- Consider psychotherapy and medicine to manage symptoms
- Talk to your provider about common side effects.
- Talk to your doctor about what to do before starting and stopping medicines.
- Increase activity, go to bed, and wake up at the same time, and eat well-balanced meals daily.
- See your doctor and complete blood work for HbA1c and LDL-C at least once per year.
- Ask someone you trust to be a part of your treatment plan.
- Use the health checklist to help your providers manage your mental health and overall wellness.
Preparing for Your Visit
Download and print the checklist below. Check the boxes and answer the questions that apply to you. Consider bringing this to your next visit to your provider.
- Bostwick, J.R. & Murphy, L.R. (2017, May 29). Metabolic monitoring of antipsychotic medications: what psychiatrists need to know.
- Calkin, C. V., Gardner, D. M., Ransom, T., & Alda, M. (2013). The relationship between bipolar disorder and type 2 diabetes: more than just co-morbid disorders. Annals of medicine, 45(2), 171–181.
- Mamakou, V., Thanopoulou, A., Gonidakis, F., Tentolouris, N., & Kontaxakis, V. (2018). Schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki, 29(1), 64–73.
When Your Child Needs to Be on an Antipsychotic Medicine
Medicine can be an effective part of the treatment for many childhood and teen psychiatric disorders. A doctor's recommendation to use medicine may raise concerns and questions. The physician who recommends medicine is experienced in treating psychiatric illnesses in children and teens. He or she will explain the reasons for taking medicine. He or she will also explain what benefits the medicine should provide and possible risks, adverse effects and other treatment options.
Psychiatric medicine should not be used alone. The use of medicine should be based on a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. It should also be one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Before recommending any medicine, the child’s psychiatrist interviews the child and makes a thorough diagnostic evaluation. In some cases, the evaluation may include a physical exam, psychological testing, and laboratory tests. It may also include other medical tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or electroencephalogram (EEG), and consultation with other medical specialists.
Medicines which have helpful effects may also have side effects. These can range from annoying to very serious. Each child is different and may have individual reactions to medicine. Due to this, close contact with the treating physician is suggested. Do not stop or change a medicine without speaking to the doctor. Psychiatric medicine should be used as part of a comprehensive plan of treatment. The plan should include ongoing medical assessment and individual and/or family psychotherapy. When prescribed by a psychiatrist (preferably a child and adolescent psychiatrist) and taken as prescribed, medicine may reduce or eliminate troubling symptoms. It may also improve the daily life of children and teens with psychiatric disorders.