Can Insulin Resistance Raise Suicide Risk?

Can insulin resistance increase the risk of suicide?

In this video, Dr. Bret Scher breaks down a new study published in Translational Psychiatry that links metabolic dysfunction with higher rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and death.

Dr. Scher covers:

• How biomarkers like blood glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, and waist circumference relate to suicide risk
• How this study fits with the growing evidence connecting metabolism to mental health
• How routinely monitoring metabolic markers could impact psychiatric care
• How ketogenic and other metabolic therapies could reduce the risk of self-harm

The study adds to a growing body of evidence that mental and metabolic health are deeply connected. While more research is needed, understanding and addressing metabolic dysfunction, like insulin resistance, may be a crucial step in reducing suicide risk and improving psychiatric care

Expert Featured:

Dr. Bret Scher

• Baszucki Group Medical Director
• https://x.com/bschermd

Resources Mentioned:

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of suicide attempt: evidence from a population-based cohort and genomic analysis

• https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03575-1

Free CME Clinician Trainings:

Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.

Our courses have been made FREE by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits: https://www.metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt

Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.

Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.