Recent Blog Articles
Harvard Health Ad Watch: Can a wearable device reduce stress?
Listening to your hunger cues
Does your child need to bathe every day?
Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?
Can physical or cognitive activity prevent dementia?
Wondering how much your medical care will cost? New rules could help
Long-lasting healthy changes: Doable and worthwhile
The sore throat checklist: What parents need to know
A new treatment for obesity
Remember the flu? Yep, it's that time again
Ask the doctor: Is niacin okay for people with diabetes?
Ask the doctor
Is niacin okay for people with diabetes?
Q. I have been taking niacin for several years, and it has helped keep my good and bad cholesterol in their healthy ranges. Now I have been diagnosed with diabetes, and my doctor forbids me from taking niacin any more. What's the reasoning behind this?
A. Niacin is one of the oldest drugs for treating cholesterol problems. Not only does it lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, but it is also the best medication for increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
