Researchers analyzed 12 years of data collected from over 200,000 people to see if there was any connection between use of acid neutralizers and diabetes.
Results:
- Regular use of proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Prilosec) at least 2 or more times per week increased risk of type 2 diabetes by 26%
- H2 receptor blockers (Pepcid/Tagamet) increased diabetes risk by 14%
- STOPPING use of proton pump inhibitors for at least two years reduced diabetes risk by 19% versus those who continued to take the medication
- Proton pump inhibitors are among the top 10 most commonly used drugs
- Long-term use of PPIs has also been linked to greater risk of bone fractures, kidney disease, infections, and stomach cancer
Why? No one knows for sure, but changes in gut microflora are associated with PPI use and may explain the increased risk of diabetes.