Potential link between diabetes medication and pancreatic cancer

Most diabetics use medication to manage their disease. Sometimes, however, these medications can do more harm than good. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States is currently reviewing several type-2 diabetes drugs for their possible association with certain kinds of pancreatic cancer and kidney failure.

The review is a result of unpublished findings by a group of academic researchers that suggest a particular class of type-2 diabetes medication, called incretin mimetics, may be linked to the risk of developing an inflammation of the pancreas, tied to cancer and kidney failure. Incretin mimetics mimic a natural hormone called incretin, which prompts the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is rising.

This isn’t the first time that diabetes medication has been linked to dangerous side-effects. In 2007, a large number of reports were filed that connected pancreatitis with the diabetes drug Byetta. In 2009, Januvia began receiving similar reports.

The truth is that these drugs still have a long way to go before we fully understand the complete list of potential side-effects that goes along with them.

In the meantime, there are many some natural ways that can help you manage diabetes. Chromium is a mineral found in food such as asparagus, chicken, eggs, fish and beef, and its primary use is to help improve insulin levels and lower blood sugar levels. Corn starch is also helpful, as it can be absorbed slowly in the body, helping maintain stable glucose levels in the bloodstream; while replacing sugar with natural sweeteners like Naturally Sweet Stevia and Xylitol helps manage blood sugar levels.

Naturally Sweet Stevia, SweetLeaf Stevia and Naturally Sweet Xylitol are all appropriate for diabetics because they do not raise blood sugar levels. If in doubt, please ask your doctor.