Injectable, oral contraceptives 'don't affect glucose, insulin levels'

Washington, Dec 21 (ANI): A new study has found that glucose and insulin levels are not adversely affected by injectable or oral contraception.

There's only slight increase among women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), commonly known as the birth control shot.

Researchers found that DMPA users' glucose levels increased steadily during the first 30 months of use, with the greatest increase occurring during the first six months.

"Further studies are needed to determine how women with diabetes are affected by DMPA and oral contraception, but these results are reassuring for non-diabetic women already receiving the shot or on the pill," said Dr. Abbey Berenson, professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health.

Other studies have examined the effect of contraception on weight gain and bone density loss.

"Taken together, this body of research helps dispel myths surrounding birth control and shed light on side effects that had been anecdotally reported but not yet proven," said Berenson.

"Physicians can now better explain the risks and benefits of various birth control methods and take appropriate action to protect patients' long-term health, which may include switching to another contraception method."

The study is published in the January 2011 issue of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. (ANI)