Increased Risk of Rehospitalization for Acute Diabetes Complications and Suicide Attempts in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Comorbid Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this large retrospective cohort study was to estimate the supplementary morbidity and mortality risks conferred by the co-occurrence of schizophrenia among young people with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This nationwide population-based study included individuals aged 15-35 years hospitalized in France for type 1 diabetes from 2009 to 2012 with or without schizophrenia. For assessment of the occurrence of rehospitalization for acute diabetes complications, suicide attempts, and hospital mortality, multivariate logistic regressions and survival analysis adjusted for age, sex, and Charlson comorbidity index scores were performed. The association between hospitalization for suicide attempts and acute diabetes complications was further explored in a survival analysis, with the exposure of acute diabetes complications as a time-dependent covariate.

RESULTS

Among 45,655 individuals aged 15-35 years who were hospitalized for type 1 diabetes, 341 (0.75%) had a previous or contemporary hospitalization for schizophrenia. Within 3 years of follow-up, schizophrenia was associated with increased risks of rehospitalization for hypoglycemia (adjusted odds ratio 3.21 [95% CI 1.99-5.20]), hyperglycemia (7.01 [3.53-13.90]), ketoacidosis (2.01 [1.49-2.70]), and coma (3.17 [1.90-5.27]); hospitalization for suicide attempts (12.15 [8.49-17.38]); and hospital mortality (2.83 [1.50-5.36]). Hospitalization for a suicide attempt was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for acute diabetes complications independently from schizophrenia (hazard ratio 3.46 [95% CI 2.74-4.38]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients suffering from the combination of type 1 diabetes and schizophrenia are at increased risk of hospitalization for acute diabetes complications as well as suicide and hospital mortality. These individuals may require specific care programs and close monitoring of mental, somatic, and social health.