Patients with schizophrenia have higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. They also have a high levels of cardiovascular mortality risk factors: hypertension, smoking, hyperglycemia, physical inactivity, obesity and dyslipidemia, However, the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in institutionalized patients with schizophrenia has not been well studied.

To establish an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and schizophrenia in patients living in residential homes.

To confirm a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus treatment in these patients.

Four residential institutions for patients with schizophrenia were chosen for the study. There were a total of 145 patients with schizophrenia. The first had 48 patients, males 30 and females 18, the second had 42 patients; 29 males 13 females, the third had 27 patients; 13 males and 14 females and the fourth had 28 patients; 15 males and 13 females. Computerized pharmacy print outs and records from the institutions and our office charts were reviewed.

Of the 145 institutionalized schizophrenia patients, there were 87 males (60%) and 58 females (40%). The average age was 55.76 years. 39(27%) of 145 patients were on treatment for DM; 106(73%) had no diabetes mellitus; 18 (21%) of 87 males had DM and 69 (79%) had no DM; 23 (40%) of 58 females had DM and 35(60%) had no DM.

Type II diabetes mellitus is extremely common (27%) in institutionalized patients with schizophrenia. Due to close medical monitoring, awareness and treatment is one hundred percent.