Certain diuretics may result in hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar). If you have diabetes and need to take a diuretic, talk with a healthcare professional about the safest option for you.
Hyperglycemia occurs when your blood sugar is too high. While hyperglycemia is most commonly associated with diabetes, it can also happen due to other causes.
Diuretics are medications that help remove excess fluid and salt from your body. A doctor may prescribe them for a variety of health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
Hyperglycemia is a potential side effect of some diuretics. Keep reading to learn more about diuretics and why some of them can cause hyperglycemia.
Diuretics, also known as water pills, are used to remove excess fluid and salt from the body.
These medications work by boosting your kidneys’ urine production. Increased urination allows extra fluid to exit your body. Additionally, because urine also contains salt, extra salt leaves your body as well.
Diuretics are some of the
These medications can also manage edema, which is swelling due to fluid buildup. Some potential causes of edema include:
Hyperglycemia is a potential side effect of thiazide diuretics. This type of diuretic prevents salt from moving across the
It’s not entirely clear why this can lead to hyperglycemia. In some cases, it may be linked to thiazide diuretics causing a decrease in potassium levels. Lower potassium can lead to the pancreas producing less insulin.
Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from the blood into cells, where it can be used as energy. When insulin levels are low, sugars cannot be effectively moved into cells, causing blood sugar levels to increase.
However, a
There are several types of diuretics. Thiazide diuretics are the type associated with hyperglycemia.
Examples of thiazide diuretics
- chlorthalidone
- hydrochlorothiazide
- indapamide
- metolazone
- polythiazide
- bendroflumethiazide
- chlorothiazide
Other types of diuretics aren’t typically associated with hyperglycemia. These include:
- loop diuretics, such as:
- potassium-sparing diuretics, such as:
- amiloride
- triamterene
Preventing hyperglycemia while using diuretics
If you’re prescribed a thiazide diuretic, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience hyperglycemia. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent this, especially if you have diabetes:
- Try to lower your intake of sugary or starchy foods.
- Eat more high fiber foods.
- Make sure you’re drinking enough water.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Get enough good quality sleep at night.
- Find ways to help reduce your stress levels.
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes.
- Take all other medications, such as those for diabetes, as directed by your doctor.
If you have diabetes and notice that your blood sugar levels are often high, discuss this with your doctor. It’s possible your treatment plan needs adjusting.
Thiazide diuretics are the
Due to thiazide diuretics’ potential to increase blood sugar levels, there’s been concern about their use in people with diabetes.
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However, a
If you have diabetes and high blood pressure, talk with your doctor about your concerns and ask about other medication options.
Diuretics are used to manage various health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by increasing urination, helping remove excess fluid and salt from the body.
Thiazide diuretics are associated with a risk of high blood sugar. This may be due to thiazide diuretics decreasing potassium levels, which can influence insulin production.
These blood sugar increases are usually small. However, if you have diabetes or any concerns about their effects on blood sugar, be sure to speak with your doctor.