Many Medications That Treat Common Conditions Can Actually Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels And Make Glucose Management Much More Difficult
People with diabetes often take other medications to support their heart, weight, blood pressure, and more. While these medications are important to your overall health, they can also make controlling your blood sugars more difficult.
In fact, some of the most common non-diabetes medications taken by people living with type 2 diabetes are well known for raising blood sugar in most patients, whether they have or dont have diabetes.
Here are the six most common medications that have negative impacts on blood glucose control for people managing their type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Patients May Be At Risk Of Severe Blood Sugar Problems If They Take Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed to treat urinary tract infections and other illnesses. Recently, these antibiotics have been shown to cause potentially harmful side effects.
In August, the US Food and Drug Administration required the drug labels and Medication Guides for antibiotics called fluoroquinolones to be updated to better describe the possible side effect of serious nerve damage.
Researchers recently found that patients with diabetes who took oral fluoroquinolones were more likely to have serious blood sugar fluctuations compared to diabetes patients who took other types of antibiotics.
Abnormal blood sugar levels can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, heart attack, stroke and other severe health problems in patients with diabetes.
“Learn about the side effects of your medications.”
Mei-Shu Lai, MD, PhD, at the Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health at the National Taiwan University in Taipei, led this analysis of data on about 78,000 individuals with diabetes in Taiwan.
Using records from Taiwans national insurance program, the scientists reviewed patient use of antibiotics and then looked for emergency room visits or hospitalizations because of abnormal blood sugar levels that occurred within 30 days of taking the antibiotics.
Three types of antiobiotics were examined: fluoroquinolones , second-generation cephalosporins and macrolides .
This study was published in August in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Statins To Help Lower Ldl Or Bad Cholesterol Levels
Statins are used to lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels and can be a vital therapy for preventing heart disease and stroke. But they can also increase blood sugar levels, and for people with prediabetes, using a statin is linked with a greater risk of developing full-blown diabetes. A study published in October 2017 in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes and Research Care, which tracked people with prediabetes for 10 years, found that statin use was associated with a 30 percent higher risk of developing diabetes.
But both Hsieh and Vivian emphasize that heart attack and stroke are major killers for people with diabetes, and there arent good alternative drugs for statins. The benefits of heart attack and stroke prevention far outweigh the risk of elevated blood glucose levels, Vivian says.
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Some Facts Related To Antibiotics:
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. Let me first tell you what antibiotics are and some interesting facts. Antibiotics are those medicines that fight bacterial infections. They may be bacteriostatic or bactericidal. Former one helps in reducing the growth of bacteria by preventing their reproduction while later one kills bacteria.
Antibiotic was first discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928, and its name is penicillin. The source of penicillin was a fungus Penicillium notatum. Now many antibiotics are related to penicillin, and Amoxicillin is one of them. However, it should be noted that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and ineffective for virus-related infections.
These days antibiotic resistance is a common topic for discussion. This term refers to the ineffectiveness of many common antibiotics against many strains of bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for various common infections.
The actual cause of this ineffectiveness is the frequent and unnecessary use of antibiotics. Due to its everyday use, bacteria become resistant to these antibiotics either by genetic modifications or adaptations.
Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar Levels
You do not have to have all the following symptoms to have an increase in glucose levels. Even one symptom can be a sign to check your levels.
If you notice your desire to drink liquids has increased or find yourself frequently urinating, check your blood sugar levels. Other signs include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
For some, unexpected weight changes, constant fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent headaches can signal a glucose problem. If you have sores that dont heal properly, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, and skin changes such as rashes or dry patches, check your blood sugar levels for inconsistencies.
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Consult With Your Physician
If you are facing any trouble with your prescribed medication, the first thing you should do is call your doctor. Explain the side effects or reactions as clearly as possible. Your doctor will either adjust the dosage of the meds or replace them altogether.
Your doctor may still prescribe meds that have some side effects. This is because the doctor makes the decision based on your current condition and health. In these cases, the doctor chooses the potential major benefit over the drawbacks.
Never stop or change your medication by yourself. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your prescription.
Amoxicillin And Its Uses:
As I have discussed Amoxicillin is a penicillin related antibiotic. It works by preventing infectious bacteria from making their cell walls. Its uses involve the treatment of many infections like urinary tract infections, different skin infections, and chest infections, etc.
You can use it with some other antibiotics. For example, some stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori can be treated by using both Amoxicillin and clarithromycin simultaneously. As it is an antibiotic, so it will not work for any viral infection.
Moreover, its excessive use will also make it less effective, or we can say bacteria will become resistant to it. Since it is not an over-the-counter drug, take proper instructions youre your doctor before using it.
Furthermore, you should drink plenty of water while taking Amoxicillin as it affects your kidneys. Before using Amoxicillin you should be quite sure that you are not allergic to this drug.
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Diuretics For Blood Pressure
Diuretics are used to increase urine output. They can be used to treat kidney diseases and also lower blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide and Chlorthalidone are diuretics commonly prescribed for high blood pressure.
Diuretics can increase the levels of potassium in your blood, This results in a condition called hyperkalemia. In this state, the pancreas cannot secrete insulin properly. This results in insulin deficiency and ultimately high blood sugar.
What Is Gut Bacteria
The intestinal flora consists of 300 to 500 species of bacteria that live within your gastrointestinal tractthe genetic content sum up to a staggering 2 million genes. Even more mind-boggling is that the total number of intestinal bacteria in the gut is approximately 10 times the total number of cells in the human body.
These bacteria perform a myriad of functions like fighting off harmful pathogens, breaking down indigestible food components, and maintaining the intestinal lining. But recent studies have uncovered that the parts of the intestinal flora may be even more intricate than previously thought.
It is now believed that gut bacteria play an essential role in the metabolism of glucose or sugars. They might be responsible for processing f complex carbohydrates into glucose and the assimilation of glucose by the body.
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Can Cephalexin Raise My Blood Sugar
- Asked
- 15 Jun 2015 by
coloresue
Cephalexin is in a group of drugs called cephalosporins antibiotics and is used to fight bacteria in the body. It works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall formation, causing it to rupture, and killing the bacteria.
According to Healthnews on Newsmax dot com, a study showed the incidence of high sugar levels with cephalosporins is 2.1- 3.2 per 1,000 people. Translated that is 2-3 people per 1000 had higher glucose levels because of cephalexin.
+0sourgas
I have never had a problem with my blood sugar till I started taking cephalexin it runs around 170-175 so in order to keep my cdl I have to get it around 140
coloresue
After listening to kaismama you now have 2 possible reasons for an elevated blood sugar. Talking to your Dr. seems wise.
sourgas
I have talked to him he said the testing place should know what meds I am on I fasted for 18 hrs and got it down to 130 and passed ty
coloresue
Well, that’s one way to pass. But you know it’s probably too high for many hours before the 18 hour point. You still may want a suggestion from your Dr. on how to keep your sugar lower most of your day. High sugars do damage.
Some Possible Side Effects:
Although chances of any side effectsof Amoxicillin are minimum if you are using after a proper prescription from a doctor, some side effects persist. These include
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Oral thrush
However, it is still under consideration whether the drug disturbs some metabolic processes or not. One thing should be noted here that all these side effects are other than high blood glucose levels.
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Does Amoxicillin Raise Blood Sugar
Amoxicillin is a very commonly prescribed antibiotic. It belongs to the same family as Penicillin, the first-ever antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for treating a wide range of infections. As for whether Amoxicillin raises blood sugar or not, the answer is a bit nuanced.
Antibiotics are not historically known to cause disturbances in blood sugar levels. But as our understanding of how the body metabolizes glucose has developed, a link between the use of antibiotics and a higher risk of diabetes has begun to emerge.
Recent studies have concluded that taking certain antibiotics may increase the risk of developing diabetes. However, the exact cause behind this is still unknown. More investigative studies are now underway to find out exactly how antibiotics affect the bodys glucose metabolism.
So the short answer is yes. Theoretically, a tiny group of people may be vulnerable to blood sugar disturbances caused by Amoxicillin or similar drugs. This may be due to peculiarities or genetic predispositions. There is simply not enough evidence yet to prove or disprove this.
How To Choose Which Meds To Take
Just because some meds can raise your blood sugar doesnt necessarily mean that they are harmful. If your doctor prescribes you these meds, that means you need them to treat whatever condition that you have. So its important to talk to your doctor about which meds to take and how to safely take them.
Always inform your doctor about any new medication that you take. Even a simple over-the-counter cough syrup for a cold might cause your blood sugar levels to spike. So share any and all medications that you might take with your physician.
Try to learn about the meds that you take. A quick search on the web will help you understand your medication better and also how to use them safely. If you are facing problems with your current prescription, it will also help you make an informed decision about switching to alternatives.
If you face any serious side effects or complications, contact your doctor immediately. You may also ask your doctor for alternatives to your current prescription.
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Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar:
If you have an infection, then your blood sugar can be high even if you are non-diabetic. So you should know about the possible symptoms of hyperglycemia. These symptoms are almost similar to those of diabetic ones. These include
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
So if you are experiencing any of these symptoms after being infected, you should not ignore it. You should immediately consult your physician. Although hyperglycemia is not common in non-diabetics, it can be dangerous for them.
Hyperglycemia, if left untreated, can cause serious concerns. Untreated hyperglycemia can damage your nerves and blood vessels. It can also damage your significant organs and increase the chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
Sometimes you may feel difficulty breathing, and you ignore it as you think it is due to infection. But this ordinary symptom of hyperglycemia can be proved fatal. Another factor that increases the chances of hyperglycemia is obesity.
So if you are obese, your chances of non-diabetic hyperglycemia after infection will be higher than other people.
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Corticosteroids For Inflammatory Diseases
Corticosteroids are used to treat any inflammatory condition of the body. If you have ever had asthma, the inhaler that you used actually contained a corticosteroid. In the same way, corticosteroids are used to treat acute inflammation, arthritis, allergies, COPD, etc.
High doses of steroids in the blood can actually block the pancreas from secreting insulin. Small amounts like inhalers or creams are not enough to cause any problems. But high doses that are injected or ingested may cause a significant increase in blood glucose levels.
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Cautions With Other Medicines
Some medicines and sitagliptin can interfere with each other.
Some can increase your risk of getting side effects.
Tell your doctor if you’re taking:
- insulin or any other anti-diabetic medicine
- ketoconazole or itraconazole
- ritonavir
- clarithromycin
- digoxin
Make sure that your doctor and pharmacist know you’re taking sitagliptin before starting or stopping any other medicine.
Things That Cause Blood Sugar To Rise
Many things can trigger a spike in your blood sugar. Foods high in carbohydrates, processed, and with added sugars are known culprits. Foods high in saturated fats can worsen insulin resistance.
Surprising factors contributing to a rise in blood sugar include skipping breakfast, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, and poor dental health. Stress and inflammation in the body also contribute to a spike in blood sugar by releasing the hormone cortisol, making your body sensitive to insulin.
Some reports claim sunburns and artificial sweeteners will increase blood sugar levels.
Finally, there are medications you may not be aware of that can affect blood sugar balance.
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Is Hyperglycaemia Serious
The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible. But if you have diabetes, no matter how careful you are, you’re likely to experience hyperglycaemia at some point.
It’s important to be able to recognise and treat hyperglycaemia, as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Occasional mild episodes aren’t usually a cause for concern and can be treated quite easily or may return to normal on their own. However, hyperglycaemia can be potentially dangerous if blood sugar levels become very high or stay high for long periods.
Very high blood sugar levels can cause life-threatening complications, such as:
- diabetic ketoacidosis a condition caused by the body needing to break down fat as a source of energy, which can lead to a diabetic coma this tends to affect people with type 1 diabetes
- hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state severe dehydration caused by the body trying to get rid of excess sugar this tends to affect people with type 2 diabetes
Regularly having high blood sugar levels for long periods of time can result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.
If you experience hyperglycaemia regularly, speak to your doctor or diabetes care team. You may need to change your treatment or lifestyle to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Discuss With Your Doctor
In many cases, there are alternative antibiotics that can be used that are safer for people living with diabetes. Most doctors will weigh the pros and cons of these choices and only use fluoroquinolones if absolutely necessary.
It is always a good idea to ask your healthcare team about the likely impact of any medication on your blood sugar management.
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Be Aware Of Side Effects
All medicines can cause side effects. The most common antibiotic side effects are nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, fever, and light sensitivity. You may also have an allergy to an antibiotic. Some allergic reactions can be extremely serious and even life-threatening: trouble breathing, hives, Stevens-Johnson syndrome , irregular heartbeat, tendon rupture, seizures, and coughing up blood or bleeding from the rectum. Seek medical attention right away if any of these occur.
Take Care Of Your Health
You should also look at other factors that may be influencing your blood sugar. Avoid taking sugar rich foods and take proper exercise. External actors like smoking, alcohol, stress, junk food, etc. can interfere with your medication.
So try to make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle to promote good health. Otherwise, you may end up asking Can Amoxicillin Raise Your Blood Sugar.
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Drugs That Can Affect Blood Glucose Levels
Knowing the drugs that can affect blood glucose levels is essential in properly caring for your diabetes patients. Some medicines raise blood sugar in patients while others might lower their levels. However, not all drugs affect patients the same way. 390 Drugs that Can Affect Blood Glucose Levels is also available for purchase in ebook format. 390 Drugs that can affect blood glucose Level Table of Contents: Drugs that May Cause Hyper- or Hypoglycemia Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia Abacavir | Abacavir + lamivudine,zidovudine | Abacavir + dolutegravir + lamivudine | Abiraterone | Acetazolamide | Acitretin | Aletinib | Albuterol | Albuterol + ipratropium | Aliskiren + amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide | Aliskiren + amlodipine | Ammonium chloride Amphotericin B | Amphotericin B lipid formulations IV | Amprenavir | Anidulafungin | Aripiprazole | Arsenic trioxide | Asparaginase | Atazanavir | Atazanavir + cobistat | Atenolol + chlorthalidone | Atorvastatin | Atovaquone | Baclofen | Belatacept | Benazepril + hydrochlorothiazide | Drugs That May Cause Hyperglycemia Continued Betamethasone topical | Betamethasone +clotrimazole | Betaxolol Betoptic® eyedrops, | Bexarotene | (TargContinue reading > >