From the FDA Drug Label
Lanreotide, like somatostatin and other somatostatin analogs, inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon. Hence, patients treated with SOMATULINE DEPOT may experience hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Blood glucose levels should be monitored when lanreotide treatment is initiated, or when the dose is altered, and antidiabetic treatment should be adjusted accordingly [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
7.1 Insulin and Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs Lanreotide, like somatostatin and other somatostatin analogs, inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon. Therefore, blood glucose levels should be monitored when SOMATULINE DEPOT treatment is initiated or when the dose is altered, and antidiabetic treatment should be adjusted accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Lanreotide may cause hyperglycemia due to its inhibition of insulin secretion. However, it will not directly make you diabetic.
- Hyperglycemia is a possible side effect of lanreotide treatment.
- Monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended when initiating or altering lanreotide treatment.
- Adjustments to antidiabetic treatment may be necessary 1, 1, 1.
From the Research
Lanreotide does not necessarily make you diabetic, but it can affect your blood sugar levels, with about 5-10% of patients developing high blood sugar or diabetes, as reported in various studies 2, 3, 4. This medication, which is used to treat conditions like acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumors, works by mimicking the hormone somatostatin, which can inhibit insulin release from the pancreas. The risk of developing high blood sugar or diabetes is higher if you already have pre-diabetes, take high doses, or have other risk factors for diabetes. During treatment, your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, especially in the first few months. If you notice symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue, contact your healthcare provider promptly. For most patients, any blood sugar changes can be managed with diet, exercise, or diabetes medications if needed. The benefits of lanreotide for your primary condition often outweigh this potential side effect, but discussing your specific risk factors with your doctor is important, as noted in a recent study 4. It's also worth noting that other medications, such as metformin and linagliptin, can be used to manage blood sugar levels, as shown in a study comparing high-dose metformin monotherapy with low-dose metformin/linagliptin combination therapy 5. However, the most recent and highest quality study on lanreotide, published in 2022, found that it is a well-tolerated treatment for patients with congenital hyperinsulinism, with a low risk of adverse effects on blood sugar levels 2. Therefore, lanreotide is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with certain medical conditions, and its potential impact on blood sugar levels can be managed with proper monitoring and care.