Different effects of clozapine and risperidone on levels of blood glucose in patients with schizophrenia

Objective To investigate the different effects of clozapine and risperidone on levels of blood glucose in patients with schizophrenia. Method 200 qualified cases selected from psychiatric department were divided into two groups randomly, of which 100 cases accepted the treatment with clozapine and the other 100 cases with risperidone. Blood glucose tests were used before treatment ,4 weeks after treatment and 8 weeks after treatment Results There was significantly higher blood glucose level in clozapine-treated group than in risperidone-treated group after 4 or 8 weeks treatment. The number of cases who had elevated blood glucose level (6.1 mmol/L) in clozapine-treated group was significantly more than in risperidone-treated group. Conclusion The glucoregulatory abnormality which leads to glucose elevation in clozapine-treated patients is greater than in risperidone-treated patients. Additional motivation to clinical monitor for antipsychotic treatment-related hyperglycemia is indicated.