Beta blocker are also called beta-adrenergic blocking drugs and are prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, heart arrythmias and chest pain. Beta blocker medications are also used to prevent additional heart attacks in patients that have already suffered one. However, the Mayo Clinic warns that beta blockers can cause side effects and may not be suitable for diabetic patients.
How Beta Blockers Work
There are two primary beta receptors in the body called beta 1 and beta 2. Beta 1 receptors help to control heart rate and the force of the heartbeat. The hormone epinephrine, which is also called adrenaline attaches to beta 1 receptor causing an increased heart rate, heartbeat and blood pressure. Beta blocker medications work by blocking the effect of this hormone by not allowing it to attach to the beta 1 receptor. This results in a slower and less forceful heart rate and decreased blood pressure. Other effects include relaxing the blood vessels to improve blood flow.
Types of Beta Blockers
There are several types of beta blocker medications. Some of these primarily affect the heart while others affect both the heart and the blood vessels. They are prescribed according to the condition that is being treated as well as the health of the patient. Different types of beta blockers include Atenolol, Acebutolol, Bisoprolol, Nadolol and Nebivolol.
Weight Effects
Like most medications, beta blockers can cause unwanted side effects in some individuals. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of these effects is a slowed metabolic rate leading to weight gain and fluid retention in the body. In most cases this effect occurs when the patient begins the medication and dissipates over time. However, in patients with metabolic diseases such as diabetes, weight gain can cause other complications including decreased insulin sensitivity that leads to higher blood glucose levels.
Diabetes Effects
Dr. Gave Mirkin M.D., advises that beta blockers are not recommended for patients with diabetes because they affect the blood glucose levels. This occur because beta blockers decrease the body's sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which transports glucose from the blood into the cells where it is converted to energy or stored. This can lead to high blood glucose levels causing the body to secrete higher levels of insulin, which can lead to weight gain, uncontrolled diabetes and even further heart disease.
Lipid Effects
Other unwanted effects of beta blocker medications that may occur in some individuals include slightly raising the levels of lipids and decreasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein which is a "good" cholesterol. The Teaxas Heart Foundation warns that this side effect is more common in individuals with diabetes and other disorders and can lead to further complications.
