HIV Meds and Type II Diabetes Insulin Resistance

A new research study out of New York, has shown a correlation between certain anti-HIV medications and a risk of insulin resistance (Type II) diabetes. The older anti-retroviral (ART) medications were most likely to be associated with risk of developing diabetes. Crixivan and older nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) were also found to have a risk associated with them.

For some HIV-positive people on older ART anti-HIV treatment regimens, their doctors will be able to switch them to a newer treatment regimen with lower risk of diabetes. For those who cannot switch, Chinese medicine may be helpful to help keep blood sugar (blood glucose) levels in check. Chinese medicine can also help keep blood lipid/cholesterol levels in the normal range for people with and without HIV; people taking anti-HIV medications do show a probability of developing hyperlididemia (high blood lipid/cholesterol levels). If your anti-HIV treatment regimen may be putting you at risk of diabetes, it is important that your doctor check your blood glucose and lipid levels regularly. A test called Hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) may also be helpful.

According to recent research out of the People’s Republic of China, we can expect to see 3 broad categories for a Chinese medicine diagnosis for Type II Diabetes (also known as Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, and Syndrome X). They are Blood Stasis, Phlegm Turbidity, and Depressive Heat. However, each person is different, so we can expect to see these or other diagnoses.