diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 6cb8a28..d7d482e 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -997,8 +997,10 @@
             else:
                 sqlite_defines.append(('MODULE_NAME', '\\"sqlite3\\"'))
 
-            # Comment this out if you want the sqlite3 module to be able to load extensions.
-            sqlite_defines.append(("SQLITE_OMIT_LOAD_EXTENSION", "1"))
+            # Enable support for loadable extensions in the sqlite3 module
+            # if --enable-loadable-sqlite-extensions configure option is used.
+            if '--enable-loadable-sqlite-extensions' not in sysconfig.get_config_var("CONFIG_ARGS"):
+                sqlite_defines.append(("SQLITE_OMIT_LOAD_EXTENSION", "1"))
 
             if sys.platform == 'darwin':
                 # In every directory on the search path search for a dynamic