Abnormal Glycemic Control, Obesity, and Increased Infection Risk in Patients on Chronic Opioid Therapy

Since 2007, the rate of opioids prescribing has steadily increased among physicians more likely to manage acute and chronic pain. Most health care workers are well aware of prescription opioid-related risks of addiction and overdose; however, the recent studies have shown other potential risks such as: abnormal glycemic control, obesity, and increased risk of infections. In this review, we discuss the latest available evidence examining the relationship of prescription opioid use with increased obesity, abnormal glycemic control, and risk of infections.