Diabetes is a lifelong disease characterized by high sugar levels in the blood because of lack of insulin or the inability of the body to properly use insulin. Furosemide, or Lasix, is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid retention and swelling in patients with medical problems such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and liver disease. Furosemide may increase blood glucose levels in diabetics.
Furosemide and Hyperglycemia in Diabetics
If you have diabetes, furosemide may cause hyperglycemia, which is increased blood glucose levels, according to Drugs.com. Check your blood sugar level regularly before and after taking furosemide and share the results with the doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication or diet. Hyperglycemia is a dangerous condition because it can cause nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness and heart disease.
Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
Symptoms of high blood sugar levels develop slowly over several days or weeks, according to the American Diabetes Association. The longer blood sugar levels stay high, the more serious the symptoms become. If you have hyperglycemia, you may experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, blurred vision, headache, fatigue, fruity-smelling breath, confusion, nausea, vomiting and coma.
Furosemide Administration
Furosemide is available in tablet and liquid form. It is usually taken once a day in the morning or twice a day in the morning and afternoon. You should not take furosemide at night to avoid nocturnal urination, which can disturb sleep. You should consult with your doctor before you stop taking furosemide. Furosemide does not cure hypertension, heart failure or liver problems and water retention may reoccur if the drug is discontinued. Furosemide causes loss of potassium through urine. The doctor may prescribe potassium supplements to diabetics taking furosemide. You should also consume foods rich in potassium. Examples of foods rich in potassium include dried apricots, oranges, orange juice, raisins, bananas, kiwi fruits, figs, milk, yogurt, spinach, squash, lima beans, beets, Brussels sprouts and avocados. Furosemide use causes dehydration due to increased loss of fluids in urine; you should increase fluid intake so as to avoid becoming dehydrated. Furosemide can also cause a drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and lightheadedness when getting up from sitting or lying down.
Side Effects of Furosemide
Common side effects of furosemide include headache, dizziness, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation in the feet, blurred vision, stomach pain, diarrhea and constipation. Adverse effects include feeling weak, fast and irregular heart rate, muscle pain, easy bruising, lack of urination, hearing loss, a peeling skin rash and yellowing of the skin and eyes, according to Drugs.com.
