Could Medicines Affect on Pancreas to Produce Insulin? - Diabetes 4

Niacin (vitamin B3), just for illustration (credit to Shuvani)

Previous post (please read: Why Pancreas of Type 2 Diabetic Persons Produce Less Insulin? - Diabetes 3 | Tanza Erlambang Update), we mentioned several factors may affect on beta cell to produce insulin in pancreas.

Factors lead to harm beta cells are distinguished at least in three groups:

- Medical or pharmacological

- Biological or metabolically

- Environmental factor

We discuss effect of medicine on beta cells in this post. Some drugs have negative effect on beta cells:

- antimicrobial drugs

- antidepressants

- Niacin (vitamin B3)

- anti seizure medicines

- HIV medicines

- Pneumonia medicine such as Pentamidine

- Glucocorticoids (asthma and rheumatic arthritis drugs)

- Statin

Statin tablets (credit to AARP)

Two medicines that got attention recently are Statin and Niacin. Both are used to lower cholesterol level in the blood.

Niacin is a supplement, mean we can buy without doctor prescriptions. It is sold not only in drug stores, but also in groceries (I saw in some groceries).

Statin is a prescription medicine. In addition to combat bad cholesterol, Statin also known for heart protection, and avoiding stroke. Unfortunately, Statin may develop risk of diabetes.

Niacin as vitamin B3, a supplement that could reduce arthritis and stimulate brain function. Proper dosage is 15 mg per day.

Negative effect of Niacin that it increases the level of sugar in the blood. Thus, It may harm beta cell, then affect on diabetes patients.

Finally, diabetes patients should aware about negative effect of any medicines. If doubt, just come and ask physicians.