Beware! This Common Drug Has Been Linked To Type-2 Diabetes
Beware! This Common Drug Has Been Linked To Type-2 Diabetes
For many years, people relied on antibiotics to cure a wide variety of medical issues, some of which were not even related to bacterial infections that antibiotics were designed to treat. The result produced a widespread resistance to antibiotics that makes treating many infectious conditions more difficult. Recently, a new study discovered a link between antibiotic use and an increase in cases of type-2 diabetes, which creates an additional concern for individuals who may require antibiotics for a variety of medical issues.
Overuse of Antibiotics
When individuals suffer from severe congestion, fever and discomfort, it’s natural to want quick relief of symptoms. Many people feel that taking an antibiotic is the go-to remedy for these problems. However, when antibiotic use is frequent, bacteria mount their own biological defenses, mutating to overcome the limiting effects of the drug. Illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, sinus infections and bronchitis are often caused by viruses and will not be relieved by taking an antibiotic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that taking antibiotics for a virus only increases the risk of these medications not working when you really need them. Pressuring your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic when it’s not an effective treatment for a viral infection only increases the risk for antibiotic resistance.
A New Worry About Antibiotics
A research study from Denmark discovered another problem linked to frequent antibiotic use. They found that thousands of people who filled a two to four prescriptions for antibiotics to treat medical problems had a 23 percent increase in diabetes diagnoses. Individuals who filled 5 or more antibiotic prescriptions had a 53 percent increase in diabetes.
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Why Are They Linked?
The researchers also looked into why antibiotic use should affect insulin sensitivity. At first, they considered that these patients developed more frequent illnesses because of their blood glucose problems. However, the data covered a period of 15 years, well before a diagnosis was given, suggesting that the antibiotic use itself may be a causal agent. They suggest that antibiotics may change the beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which can in turn cause changes in insulin sensitivity that regulates blood glucose levels.
An Alternative to Antibiotic Use
In order to avoid both antibiotic resistance and an increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes, individuals are advised to treat minor respiratory or other infections with non-pharmaceutical methods. Viruses generally run their own course, and providing effective treatment for symptoms is recommended, rather than resorting to antibiotics, which will not shorten the course of the illness. Natural remedies can be used to provide symptomatic relief, such as:
· Honey and hot tea
· Steam for congestion
· Echinacea
· Oregano
· Pell’s Natural Remedy
Clearly, more studies need to be done on the link between antibiotics and type-2 diabetes to determine the exact mechanism of action. Until medical researchers understand this association, individuals may choose to play it safe by using natural antibiotic remedies instead of commercial pharmaceuticals that may cause harm.