Question:easy

Niacin therapy is relatively contraindicated in diabetes because it:

Show Hint

Niacin worsens glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Increases the blood sugar levels
  • Causes scleroderma
  • Is difficult to give by injection
  • Increases the metabolism of oral hypoglycemic drugs
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Niacin is used to lower LDL and triglycerides and to raise HDL, but it has an unwanted action on carbohydrate handling.

Step 2: It promotes insulin resistance and reduces glucose tolerance, which pushes fasting and post-meal glucose upward.

Step 3: In someone who already has diabetes, this hyperglycemic effect can destabilize control, so niacin is used cautiously or avoided.

Step 4: The cause therefore is its tendency to raise blood glucose, not scleroderma, injection issues, or drug metabolism changes.

\[\boxed{\text{It increases blood sugar levels}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0