Najmeh Rahimi - Resident, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mohamad Hossain Gozashti - Assistant Professor, Physiology Research Center, Department of Endocrinology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Hamid Najafipour - Professor, Physiology Research Center, Department of Physiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Mostafa Shokoohi - Research Center for Modeling in Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Hamid Marefati - Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman AND Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Background: Due to this belief that opium may have beneficial effects on diabetes or cardiovascular risk factors, the present study aimed to assess the potential and possible effects of opium consumption on diabetes control and some cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. Methods: This study enrolled ۳۷۴ diabetic subjects from diabetes care centers in Kerman, Iran including opium user group (n = ۱۷۹) and a non opium user group (n = ۱۹۵). The data were collected through a questionnaire completed by interviewing, physical examination and laboratory assessment. Findings: Opium did not show any statistically significant effect on blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA۱C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and diastolic blood pressure. However, systolic blood pressure and prevalence of high systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in opium user group (P < ۰.۰۵۰). In addition, lower serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and frequency of lower HDL was significantly higher in opium user group (P < ۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: According to this study, opium does not seem to have beneficial effects on diabetes control or cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, it would not be advisable to consume opium as an anti-diabetes or cardioprotective agent.

Opium, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular risk factor, Dyslipidemia, Hypertension