Oral contraceptive and diabetes – Health Clinic

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Published: July 4, 2002

Q: I am a 34-year-old female. I do not smoke. I have been on oral

contraceptives since the birth of my last child six years ago, but I am

concerned that I may be increasing my risk of getting late-onset

diabetes. This runs in my family, and my own blood sugars were slightly

raised during my last pregnancy. Should I stop taking the pill?

A: Doctors now think it is fine to keep taking oral contraceptives

right up to menopause, if you wish, as long as you do not smoke.

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Smoking and taking the pill over the age of 35 is not recommended.

There is some debate as to whether oral contraceptives increase blood

sugars. Blood insulin levels do tend to be higher in women on the pill,

but taking it does not necessarily lead to weight gain.

Researchers at the University of Washington recently completed a

10-year study comparing pill users with non-users to see whether there

was any increase in glucose, insulin levels or diabetes. Contrary to

previous studies, their results showed the oral contraceptive users had

a significantly lower incidence of diabetes. Of course, this research

needs to be validated with further studies before we can be sure of the

results.

In your case, I suggest that you keep taking the pill, but to be on the

safe side, get annual checks of your fasting blood glucose levels. Two

elevated blood sugar tests in a row are suggestive of diabetes.

Actually, you are probably at less risk of developing diabetes from the

oral contraceptives than you would be if you had another pregnancy,

given that you had a raised blood sugar level when you were expecting

your last child.

Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont.

Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are

encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding

medical questions and treatments.

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