A Preliminary Analysis of Individuals With Serious Mental Illness and Comorbid Diabetes

ObjectiveTo understand factors related to managing illness in older individuals with serious mental illness (SMI).MethodsBaseline data from 200 individuals with SMI and diabetes enrolled in a study were used to compare characteristics between older (age > 55) vs. younger (age ≤ 55) individuals.ResultsOlder individuals had better diabetes control compared to younger individuals, those with major depressive disorder had diabetes for a longer duration, worse diabetic control, and more emergency department encounters.ConclusionsHelping younger individuals with SMI learn to manage their mental and physical health early-on might minimize the negative and cumulative effect of diabetes.