Prevalence of diabetes in patients with bipolar disorder in Taiwan: a population-based national health insurance study

ObjectiveWe investigated the prevalence and correlates of diabetes in patients with bipolar disorder in Taiwan.MethodsThe National Health Research Institute provided a database of 1,000,000 random subjects from which we selected a sample of 766,427 subjects aged 18 years and over. We identified study subjects who had at least one service claim during 2005, with a primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder or with a prescription for treatment of diabetes.ResultsThe prevalence of diabetes in patients with bipolar disorder was higher than in the general population (10.77% vs. 5.57%, OR, 2.01; 99% CI, 1.64–2.48). Compared with the general population, patients with bipolar disorder had a higher prevalence of diabetes in all age groups under 60 years; among females and males; among lower insurance amount groups; among those living in the northern, central and southern regions and among residents living in urban and rural areas. Antipsychotic use was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes in persons with bipolar disorder.ConclusionsPatients with bipolar disorder had a higher prevalence of diabetes than the general population. Prevention, early detection and treatment of diabetes are important issues for patients with bipolar disorder.