Whether available by prescription or over the counter, medicines have the potential for side effects. For some medicines, this includes raising blood glucose levels, which causes a problem for people already diagnosed with diabetes and can put others at higher risk for developing diabetes. Your doctor and pharmacist can help you understand the purpose, use and any possible side effects of your medicines. If you have diabetes and take medications or supplements, it is helpful to recognize how some medications can affect your blood glucose control.
Prescription Medicines
Some prescription medications have been associated with increased blood glucose levels and risk of type 2 diabetes. These include a class of steroid medication called glucocorticoids, certain groups of anti-psychotic medications and medicines for heart disease and high blood pressure, including thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers. These medications are often prescribed for serious medical conditions, and the benefits may outweigh the risk of potential side effects, including raising blood glucose. Discuss the benefits and risks of all medications with your physician.
Over-the-Counter Medicines
Over-the-counter medications are available without a prescription and also have potential side effects. Liquid preparations, for example cough and cold remedies, can contain significant amounts of sugar, which leads to increased blood glucose. Diabetic alternatives are frequently available that have no sugar or are flavored with artificial sweeteners. Your pharmacist and physician are sources of information for recommending over-the-counter medicines that are safe for you to take when you have diabetes.
Supplements
The effects of nutritional supplements on blood glucose levels are not always known. The Food and Drug Administration cautions consumers about the additive effects and interactions of medications and supplements, as well as taking higher doses than recommended. A study published in 2007 by Saveria Stranges and colleagues in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" showed that the supplementation of high levels of selenium was associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. High doses of niacin have also been associated with increased blood sugar levels.
Learning More
Discuss all of the medicines that you take, including prescription, over-the-counter and nutritional supplements with your doctor and pharmacist. Talk to your doctor before starting or stopping a medication or making changes in your diabetes treatment plan. A registered dietitian can also help you understand the need for and effects of nutritional supplements in your diet.
References
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; Effects of Long-Term Selenium Supplementation on the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes; Saverio Stranges et al.; August, 2007
- "Diabetes Care"; Consensus Development Conference on Antipsychotic Drugs and Obesity and Diabetes; February 2004
- Diabetes Self-Management; Drugs That Can Worsen Diabetes Control; Mark T. Marino; April 2009
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes; K.Vijayaraghavan; December 2010
- Food and Drug Administration: Tips for Older Dietary Supplement Users
