Impact of Anti-Diabetic Medications on Prostate Specific Antigen Levels
Background
Research has indicated that men with diabetes may have a lower likelihood of developing prostate cancer, although the underlying reasons for this observation remain unclear.
Study Overview
A recent investigation published in the Journal of the American Medical Association aimed to explore the relationship between anti-diabetic medications and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in men. The study utilized data from the Stockholm PSA and Biopsy registry, focusing on men aged 40 to 79 years. Each participant underwent PSA testing before and after the initiation of anti-diabetic treatment. The medications examined included Metformin, Sulfonylurea, and Insulin.
Key Findings
The findings revealed that the use of anti-diabetic medications did not lead to a reduction in PSA levels among the participants. This outcome contradicts the results of earlier studies. Additionally, the research highlighted that men receiving anti-diabetic medications were less likely to undergo PSA testing compared to those not on these medications. Furthermore, they were also less inclined to have a prostate biopsy.
Author Information
This study was authored by Laura Laroche, HBASc, a medical writer.
References
1. Diabetes Medications, Prostate-Specific Antigen Values, and the Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer. 2019, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2753984, assessed Nov 7, 2019.
2. Velaer, Kyla N., Leppert, John T. “Association Between Antidiabetic Medications and Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels and Biopsy Results”. JAMA. November 6, 2019. Online.
3. Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay.