One of the major sources of fuel for cells in the body is the sugar glucose. The concentration of glucose in the blood is normally stable in a well-controlled range of values. If glucose levels are too low, a person will feel weak, lightheaded and may pass out. If the levels are too high, chronic problems can develop such as arterial disease that damages the limbs, leading to leg and foot amputations, and damage to organs such as the eyes, heart and kidneys. This state of glucose being too high is called hyperglycemia. Long-term hyperglycemia is caused by diabetes, but certain drugs can also temporarily raise blood glucose levels as well.
Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids are a type of drug that mimic the body's stress hormones released by the adrenal gland, such as epinephrine or adrenalin. Examples of these types of drugs include hydrocortisone and prednisone. They are typically used to suppress inflammation or the immune system. One prominent side effect is to raise blood glucose.
Thiazide Diuretics
Diuretics, commonly known as water pills, are drugs that act on the kidneys to cause them to produce more urine. Many diuretics, particularly thiazide diuretics which act on a particular part of the kidneys, have the potential to cause hyperglycemia. One of the side effects of many diuretics is that they lower levels of potassium in the blood. This leads to decreased release of insulin by the pancreas, which is responsible for lowering blood glucose, according to the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers include metoprolol and atenolol among other drugs. This class of drugs is generally used to decrease the heart rate, blood pressure or both. The mechanism of action leading to increased blood sugar is less clear than with diuretics, but is thought to also involve decreased insulin secretion from the pancreas, says the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Protease Inhibitors
Protease inhibitors, used to treat HIV, are associated with hyperglycemia, but may not be a cause of it. It is unclear whether the drugs or the HIV are causing the high blood sugar, according to Family Practice Notebook.
Other Drugs
Another drug thought to induce hyperglycemia is azathioprine, an immune suppressant that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis or prevent transplant rejection. Chemotherapy drugs also cause high blood sugar, as do some calcium channel blockers which are used to decrease blood pressure. Some antipsychotics such as olanzapine increase appetite and blood glucose. The stomach antacid cimetidine also increases glucose concentrations.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Drug Induced Hyperglycemia; Beatriz Luna; October 2001
- Family Practice Notebook: Medication Causes of Hyperglycemia
