If you're one of the millions of Americans diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you're all too familiar with the daily challenge of keeping your blood glucose level under control. Staying active, watching your diet and taking your medications are important components to managing the disease. Yet another consideration to keep in mind is your potassium level. This mineral plays a pivotal role in several body functions -- and abnormal levels can have serious implications for diabetics or those at risk for developing the disease.
Drug Interactions
One concern is the potential effect certain diabetes medications have on potassium levels. Although typically associated with hypertension treatment, physicians may prescribe ACE inhibitors for diabetes as well. These drugs may increase your potassium level. This risk is even higher if you take an ACE inhibitor along with a potassium-sparing diuretic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen, or use salt substitutes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Being a type 2 diabetic also puts you at risk for kidney problems. Taking NSAIDs when you have such organ dysfunction may contribute to the development of high potassium levels.
Kidneys and Potassium
The tie between the kidneys and potassium doesn't stop there. These organs help filter out waste and regulate levels of the mineral in addition to phosphorus and sodium. Being a type 2 diabetic increases your chances of developing chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects the ability of the kidneys to perform these vital functions. Chronic kidney failure develops slowly over time and many of the symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, are so common that you'll likely not connect them to kidney problems. The kidneys may eventually lose the ability to regulate potassium, leading to an excessive amount of the mineral in your blood.
Hyperkalemia
Developing hyperkalemia, or a high potassium level, is a serious health problem impacting your entire body. Muscle weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are symptoms of this condition; temporary loss of muscle function is a sign as well. Cardiovascular impact is the primary concern connected to an excessive potassium level. Developing a heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, due to hyperkalemia is possible. Your heart can also suddenly stop functioning, a life-threatening medical event known as cardiac arrest.
Low Potassium & Diabetes Risk
Interestingly, low potassium levels may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in African Americans. The chances of this segment of the population developing this chronic disease is double that of Caucasians; findings from a 2011 John Hopkins University study gives clues as to why. Low potassium has been linked to higher blood sugar even in healthy individuals. African Americans typically have lower potassium levels than Caucasians. The study, published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," found that as potassium levels decreased among the participants, the incidence of type 2 diabetes increased.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; The Kidneys and How They Work; February 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Kidney Failure, Chronic; May 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Potassium; February 2004
- "The JHU Gazette"; Potassium Levels May Be Key to Racial Disparity in Type 2 Diabetes; Stephanie Desmon; March 2011
