The European Journal of Endocrinology found that repeated uses of antibiotics prescriptions is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes.
The study was done with 208000 diabetic patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes which where compared with 816000 non diabetic patients in the same age and gender group.
Nearly half of the patients that where prescribed antibiotics where found at the risks of developing type 2 diabetes:
- The risks of developing type 2 diabetes where 8% high to patients prescribed with 2 to 5 courses of penicillin type antibiotic. And the risk of developing type 2 diabetes where 23% higher to patients prescribed more than 5 courses of same penicillin antibiotics.
- The risks of developing type 2 diabetics where 15% high to patients prescribed quinolones type antibiotic for courses 2-5. And 37% higher chances of developing type 2 diabetes to patients prescribed same quinolone antibiotics for courses 5 and above.
What also the study found is that antifungal and antiviral drugs do not appear to affect the risks of developing type 1 diabetes.
What is type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
- Type 1 diabetes is account to nearly 10% of diabetic patients with body immune system that destroys body cells that make insulin.
- Type 2 means either the body cannot make enough insulin or the body cells cannot react to it.
In type 1 diabetes insulin treatment is always needed while on type 2 diabetes that symptoms can be controlled with proper diet, exercise and a regular check of blood sugar levels.
What this study found is that there is an over consumption of antibiotic drugs. Do not get me wrong these drugs are very effective is tackling many health conditions. And certain conditions can be only treated with antibiotics, nonetheless it is good to know that studies and research are being made to make people more aware of the risks and benefits of taking these drugs.
