Effect of Tamsulosin Use on Plasma Insulin Status in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria

The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of tamsulosin use on plasma insulin status in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients in Sokoto, Nigeria. Standard methods and procedures were used. At 2^nd and 3rd months of tamsulosin use, there was a significant increase (P 0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline. Likewise, at 4^th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P 0.05) in plasma insulin values was revealed compared to baseline and 2^nd month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P 0.05). Plasma insulin at 4^th months of the study in BPH patients (45-54 years) treated with tamsulosin revealed a significant increase (P 0.05) compared to baseline values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P 0.05). BPH patients (aged 55-64 years) at 3^rd month showed a significant increase (P 0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline values. Likewise, at 4^th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P 0.05) in plasma insulin values was seen compared to baseline and 1^st month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P 0.05). In BPH patients aged 65 and above, there was no significant difference (P 0.05) in plasma insulin values from 1st through 4^th month compared to baseline and other inter mean values comparisons. Plasma insulin at 0^th , 1^st , 2^nd , 3^rd and 4^th months of BPH patients of different age groups treated with tamsulosin revealed no significant differences (P 0.05). This study revealed that tamsulosin use in the patients lead to significant increase in plasma insulin level (hyperinsulinemia). Careful and routine monitoring of BPH patients should be done. Patients need enough exercise activities and some drugs can be administered to alleviate elevated glucose or insulin.