Many medications can have side effects beyond the disease state they are intended to address. The most common side effect is the disruptive effect on blood glucose control, HbA1c levels, and weight gain.
Here are
just 5 commonly used drugs and their effect on insulin resistance and blood
glucose levels:
1. Glucocorticoids
Without a
doubt, this group of drugs, commonly referred to as “steroids”, or “cortisone”,
are at the top of the list. It is well-known that they can cause “steroid-induced
diabetes” and if you are already diabetic, you may notice a significant worsening
of glycemic control. The effect is dependent on the dose and duration of steroid
treatment. Be aware!
Prednisone, Hydrocortisone,
Medrol.
2. Antipsychotic therapy
Between 15%
and 70% of patients taking second-generation antipsychotics will experience a
weight gain of at least 7% of body weight. The increased weight is not the only
factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. This group of drugs
can cause downregulation of intracellular insulin signalling, leading to
insulin resistance. In addition, some of these drugs can impair the pancreatic
beta cells’ response to changes in blood glucose.
Clozapine: Cloment, Leponex.
Olanzapine: Zyprexa, Olexar.
Haloperidol.
3. Thiazide diuretics
These diuretics
are commonly used for the management of hypertension and are associated with
metabolic complications including hypokalemia (low potassium), higher triglycerides,
and elevated blood glucose.
Hydrochlorothiazde:
Ridaq, Hexazide,
Dapamax, Natrilix.
4. Statin therapy
Statins,
widely prescribed to lower cholesterol, may in some patients cause a decreased
insulin sensitivity and impairment in insulin secretion. Between 9% and 12% of
patients on statin therapy for four years or longer may develop new-onset
diabetes.
Simvastatin,
Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Pravastatin.
5. Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers
are another commonly used group of medications for managing hypertension, heart
failure, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia. Metoprolol and Atenolol are
most likely to cause an increase in HbA1c, blood sugar, weight and
triglycerides. For diabetic patients on insulin therapy or sulfonylurea drugs,
some beta-blockers may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia (tremors, irritability,
or palpitations); resulting in possible episodes of dangerously low blood
sugar.
Some of the
newer blockers like carvedilol, nebivolol and labetalol may have a lower effect
on glycemic control.
Take
away:
Know the
drugs you are prescribed, understand their possible interference with metabolic
processes, and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
OR: Take
control of your metabolic health by following a lifestyle that will ensure better
glycemic control. YOU should be in control, not the drugs prescribed! They can
only manage your conditions – never cure it. Following a lifestyle with no
carbohydrates, sugars and seed oils, coupled with intermittent fasting can
reverse certain metabolic imbalances.
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