Which symptom is associated with diabetes mellitus as a side effect of atypical antipsychotics?

• A. Excessive thirst, headaches, frequent urination, cuts/blemishes heal slowly, fatigue.
• B. Weight loss only
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Back pain

Answer: (A)

Atypical antipsychotics can cause glucose dysregulation, which may lead to diabetes mellitus. When blood glucose rises, classic symptoms appear: excessive thirst and more frequent urination, as the body tries to flush out excess sugar; fatigue from inefficient energy use; and slow healing of cuts or blemishes due to impaired immune function and vascular health in diabetes. Headaches can accompany hyperglycemia as well. This combination of symptoms matches the option describing these signs. Hearing loss and back pain aren’t typical diabetes manifestations, and weight changes can occur with metabolic effects but the listed option directly reflects the hyperglycemia symptoms associated with diabetes.