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Does Persistent Use Of Seroquel Cause Diabetics?

Posted on Mon, 22 Aug 2016

Question: I took seroquel for one year for insomnia only. I took 100mg/night. I recently stopped taking it as the insomnia resolved. Prior to taking it my blood sugar was always normal w hba1c at 4.2. However while I was also on seroquel, due to adenomyosis I ended up losing so much blood I required 3 blood transfusions and emergency surgery. While in the hospital my random blood sugar was high but my red blood cell count was 1/2 of what it normally is. What is responsible the high blood sugar the seroquel or the anemia? Did seroquel make me diabetic? Will coming off the seroquel help?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seroquel can raise sugar levels

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Seroquel is Quetiapine and the drug is a second generation antipsychotic drug. The drug is safe to use but is associated with some side effects especially metabolic side effects.

The drug is known to raise blood sugar levels. But that doesn't mean that one would become diabetic. The raises sugar levels become normal after discontinuation of the drug.

So....

Seroquel is the cause of high sugar levels.

It doesn't make you diabetic.

The dose reduction will improve the levels.

Thanks, hope this helps you please don't hesitate to ask again for more information.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Now that i dont take it anymore, will my sugars go back to perfect? If so how long? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the sugar levels will come to normal.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking again

A lot of case studies and longitudinal studies report that in most cases the blood sugar levels come to normal with in 3 months of stopping the antipsychotic drug (in your case Seroquel).

Try to maintain your weight, exercise regularly and this will help in early recovery.

Thanks. Take care.

Still have more to ask please don't hesitate.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (50 minutes later)

Seroquel will not cause me diabetes ?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The risk is very very low.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking again

Its very difficult to comment in a specific situation but remain assured in most individuals the glucose levels return to normal after stopping the treatment.

I have used the drug in a lot of patients in high doses (300-400 mg) and none developed diabetes though some of them have high glucose levels.

Thanks. I hope this helps.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar