Type 2 diabetes is commonly regarded as a chronic disease characterized by an excess of sugar in the blood. This is often a result of insulin resistance, which, if untreated, may cause serious blood sugar imbalance.
The most significant risk factors for diabetes are genetics and lifestyle, however, several supplements have also been tied to the disease.
Niacin, or vitamin B3, has been found to make insulin metabolism worse by making it harder to control glucose and making insulin less sensitive.
The British Medical Journal (BMJ) says that a rise in glucose levels in people with diabetes is a possible “important side effect” of niacin.
One review of the Coronary Drug Project found evidence that the impact may happen even in healthy people, thereby increasing their risk of diabetes.
The BMJ reviewed 11 studies with more than 26,340 non-diabetic patients in one meta-analysis.
Around 1,371 of the study, participants were diagnosed with diabetes after a follow-up period of 3.6 years.
An increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes was seen in those who took niacin, the authors said.
In other words, for every 43 people who start out without diabetes and get treatment for 5 years, 1 of them will develop diabetes.
In other words, if the supplement were administered for five years to 43 people without diabetes, one more instance of diabetes would develop.
“Results were consistent regardless of whether participants received background statin therapy […],” the authors said.
Niacin has been shown in other studies to significantly increase deterioration in glucose control.
For instance, the HPS2-THRIVE trial discovered a 55 percent rise in significant abnormalities in glucose control in diabetic individuals.
Also, most of these people had to go to the hospital because of it.
Yet, it is still unknown what causes niacin to have a negative impact on diabetes management.
The advantages of niacin supplements on cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism are its main selling points.
In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, it may reduce triglycerides by 25% and raise HDL cholesterol by more than 30%.
According to the health body, “Triglyceride levels over 150 milligrams per decilitre or 1.7 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease.”
When used in smaller doses, the supplement is typically considered safe “for everyone,” according to WebMD.
Nevertheless, using greater dosages of niacin to address medical issues may come with complications.
Because of this, “children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take niacin supplements in excess […] unless it’s recommended by a doctor.”
In fact, before adding supplements to one’s diet, it is recommended that individuals of all ages talk to their doctor.
According to some experts, this is especially important for elderly people since supplements may interact dangerously with prescription medications.
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