How Does Diabetes Medication Impact Your Pancreatitis Risk?

A recent diabetes drug has shown an increased risk of patients developing pancreatitis, according to new research. Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine suggest that the risk is doubled through taking the new treatment, which is called GLP-1 or glucagon-like peptide-1. Whilst these drugs were effective in controlling the blood sugar, they also cause inflammation and lesions on the pancreas. In the first study of its kind, researchers are looking at how closely pancreatitis is linked to type 2 diabetes and its medications. Within the study, they also looked at risk factors which can increase the chance of developing pancreatitis, such as obesity and alcohol consumption.

The signs of pancreatitis include persistent nausea, vomiting, severe pain in the centre of the stomach, loss of appetite, fever and jaundice. Pancreatitis is a potentially life threatening disease which causes the pancreas to become inflamed and swollen. This small organ is located below the ribcage, behind the stomach. It aids the digestive system by producing digestive juices which help to break down food in the stomach. It also creates hormones, such as insulin, which helps glucose to regulate the sugar levels in the blood.

The study involved 1,269 people who suffered with type 2 diabetes and were taking at least one medication to treat the disease, between 2005 and 2008. These people were matched with 1,269 diabetes sufferers not taking medication, to compare their symptoms after the trial period. These were controlled in addition to other known contributing factors that can lead to pancreatitis. Diabetes is a condition which is largely affected by your lifestyle, such as your diet and amount of physical activity. If you’re concerned that you may be at risk of diabetes, you should speak to your GP who can determine whether your lifestyle could cause this to develop.