Diuretics and treatment for hyperglycemia share common links in the incidence of the conditions for which they are prescribed. High blood pressure affects nearly 70 million American adults, based on 2005 to 2008 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The statistics for diagnosed hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, are equally as sobering with figures projected to increase to one-third of the population by 2050. Diuretics may impact the incidence of diabetes, warranting additional study.
Diuretics,
Diuretics, or water pills, are the recommended first line of treatment for high blood pressure, explains the "Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure." They work by increasing urine production and sodium elimination from the body. This action results in less water retention and thus, lower blood volume. Simply, the heart is able to work less hard with less blood. These drugs directly impact kidney function in their role with urine production.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia describes a condition in which blood sugar levels have spiked to potentially dangerous levels. Maintaining normal blood sugar is part of the treatment regime for diabetics. Hyperglycemia occurs when something triggers a release of sugar. It is not uncommon for your blood sugar to spike during stressful events as your body attempts to provide more energy for you to respond. A heavy meal can also release high amounts of sugar into the bloodstream following metabolism of carbohydrates.
Evidence
Because diuretics impact kidney function and blood content, the concern exists that it may impact glucose levels. A study published in May 2011 in the "Journal of Endocrinological Investigation" looks at the incidence of diabetes and different types of blood pressure medications. Statistical analysis reveals a greater association of diabetes in individuals taking diuretics than other types of blood pressure medications. These findings contradict a study published in October 2009 in "Pharmacotherapy," which found no significant association between thiazide diuretics and blood glucose levels. Because there are different types of diuretics, research is needed to discern if the specific type of diuretic may play a role in hyperglycemia.
Role of Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral that helps maintain the integrity of cellular membranes. This is critical for nervous system function and heart function. Individuals taking diuretics are at a higher risk of depleting potassium stores in the body. This possible effect taken with the greater incidence of diabetes raises concerns about the safety of these medications. However, the "Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure" explains that taking a potassium-sparing drug with a thiazide diuretic can prevent depletion of potassium. As a precaution, your doctor may recommend regular blood sugar tests.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vital Signs: Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension --- United States, 1999--2002 and 2005--2008; February 4, 2011
- "Diabetologia"; A Palaeolithic Diet Improves Glucose Tolerance More than a Mediterranean-Like Diet in Individuals with Ischaemic Heart Disease; S. Lindeberg et al; June 2007
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure; August 2004
- American Diabetes Association: Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose)
- "Journal of Endocrinological Investigation"; Effects of Antihypertensive Treatment on Incidence of Diabetes: A Case-Control Study; M. Monami, et al.; May 2011
- "Pharmacotherapy"; Lack of Correlation Between Thiazide-Induced Hyperglycemia and Hypokalemia: Subgroup Analysis of Results from the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses (PEAR) Study; S. Smith, et al.; October 2009
