Should You Worry About Potential Carcinogens In Diabetes Drugs?

Diabetes and cancer are closely associated with each other. Having diabetes can lead to many types of cancer. However, did you know that certain diabetes drugs can also cause cancer?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a new batch of metformin extended-release tablets that are used to treat type 2 diabetes has been found to have high levels of a carcinogen called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The FDA has been investigating the presence of NDMA in metformin drugs in the United States for many years.

Let’s know more about NDMA and find out how likely it is to cause cancer.

What is NDMA and Why Is it Dangerous?

NDMA belongs to a class of compounds called nitrosamines. It is a common contaminant found in water and foods, making everyone a little exposed to this substance.

Researchers have classified NDMA as a probable carcinogen, meaning it can potentially cause cancer.

However, when NDMA is ingested at low levels, it is not supposed to harm your body. Only when you are exposed above the acceptable levels, which is 96 nanograms a day, for extended periods of time, NDMA may increase the risk of cancer.

How Does NDMA Get Into Medications?

It is not clear how NDMA gets included in diabetes drugs. They may already be present in the drug or get formed during natural and industrial processes involving chemical reactions. More research is required to understand how NDMA gets added to the diabetes drugs, such as metformin.

What To Do If You Are Taking Metformin?

Metformin helps regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. If you are prescribed extended-release metformin tablets, you should not stop taking them abruptly. They may affect your blood sugar levels adversely and can even lead to hospitalisation.

You must wait and consult with your doctor about other treatment options. There are many alternative treatment options and medications that your doctor can choose.

On A Final Note

Many diabetes drugs have carcinogens like NDMA in them. It is essential to know more about the components of your medications and avoid carcinogens, as they can increase the risk of several cancers in your body.

However, you must not stop taking your medication abruptly. It can result in severe health consequences. There is no short-term risk associated with taking medications like metformin. Therefore, continue having it till you figure out alternative options with your doctor.