Science

Taking too many antibiotics could increase risk of Type 2 diabetes

A study found those who took them five times in the last 15 years were 53% more likely to get the disease than those who took them once. Taking too many antibiotics could raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A study found those who took them five times in the last 15 years were 53% more likely to get the disease than those who took them once. Dr Kristian Mikkelsen, of Denmark, said it could be because antibiotics can affect people’s metabolism.A study of more than a million people, including 170,500 with the disease, found a clear link between higher numbers of prescriptions for the drugs and having a diabetes diagnosis. Increasing amounts of antibiotics led to a greater chance of developing the disease. Type 2 diabetes is one of the greatest health problems facing the UK and other countries in the western world. More than three million people in the UK are believed to be living with the disease.