Q&A

Are beta-blockers safe for diabetics?

Are beta-blockers safe for diabetics?

Beta-blockers, currently severely underprescribed, should be considered as a first line therapeutic option for all diabetics with ischaemic heart disease or younger/middle aged diabetics with hypertension (but co-prescribed with low dose diuretic therapy in the elderly).

Which beta-blocker is best for diabetics?

The beta-blocker blood pressure medicine Coreg proved significantly better in keeping blood sugar levels from rising in diabetics than metaprolol, another widely used member of the beta-blocker family.

Are beta-blockers contraindicated in diabetes mellitus?

Conclusions: Except for patients with brittle glycemic control, manifest hypoglycemic unawareness, renal parenchymal disease, or documented intolerance, beta blockers should no longer be considered routinely contraindicated in the presence of diabetes.

Is metoprolol bad for diabetics?

When beta-blocker therapy is considered, it appears that this agent can be used to treat hypertension without adverse effects on insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes, at least over the period of time treated.

Why should diabetics not take beta-blockers?

In insulin-dependent diabetics, beta-blockers can prolong, enhance, or alter the symptoms of hypoglycemia, while hyperglycemia appears to be the major risk in noninsulin-dependent diabetics. beta-blockers can potentially increase blood glucose concentrations and antagonize the action of oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Why are beta-blockers bad?

Beta-blockers can cause lung muscle spasms that make it difficult to breathe. This is more common in people who have lung conditions. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Beta-blockers can trigger high blood sugar in people with diabetes.

What beta blocker does not raise blood sugar?

Atenolol and metoprolol are beta-blockers which effectively treat high blood pressure but may raise blood sugars as well. It’s not all beta-blockers though. Carvedilol (Coreg), for example, does not affect blood sugar levels.

Why are beta-blockers contraindicated in diabetic patients?

beta-blockers can potentially increase blood glucose concentrations and antagonize the action of oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Why do beta-blockers cause hyperglycemia?

β-blockers are thought to contribute to the development of hyperglycemia by impairing the release of insulin from the pancreatic β-cell.

Can I take metformin and metoprolol at the same time?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between metformin and Metoprolol Succinate ER. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Are there any studies on beta blockers in asthma?

Fortunately, there have been many studies that have looked at beta blocker use in people with asthma. 3 However most of these studies involved the use of cardioselective beta blockers. Researchers have found that this type of beta blocker presents very limited risk to people with asthma, as long as the recommended doses are followed.

How are beta blockers used to treat diabetes?

Beta-blockers (BBs) have a poor image as a potential therapy due to apparent adverse effects on surrogate end-points such as insulin-resistance. However large, controlled trials have shown BBs to be highly effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and death in post myocardial infarction patients with diabetes.

Can a beta blocker cause shortness of breath?

In fact, some people who do not have asthma but consume these medications also experience shortness of breath and sleeping problems. Which is why, beta blockers are also known to flare up asthma in patients with underlying bronchial asthma.

Is there a link between beta blockers and CVD?

The cohort consisted of 35,502 people identified with active asthma and CVD, of which 14.1% and 1.2% were prescribed cardioselective and non-selective beta-blockers, respectively, during follow-up. Cardioselective beta-blocker use was not associated with a significantly increased risk of moderate or severe asthma exacerbations.