Quick answer: A number of commonly prescribed medications — steroids, some anti-psychotics, thiazide diuretics, statins, and beta-blockers — can raise blood sugar. Don’t stop them because of this: the benefits still far outweigh the risk, but it’s worth being aware of, and worth a periodic check if you’re on one of these long-term.
Check out my video about insulin resistance and fat accumulation in abdominal organs if you’ve not already. Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and diabetes is a ticking timebomb the world is ill-prepared for, and readers will know my thoughts about lifestyle modifications that can help prevent these issues. However, I thought I would expand a little on this, as you may not know that there are a number of commonly prescribed medications that can also raise your blood sugar. It is very important I precis this by saying if you are on these drugs, do not simply stop them because you are worried about blood sugar. If you have concerns, speak to your doctor. As I will outline, the risks of not being on the drugs is higher than the potential for side effects of raised glucose, it’s just something people should be aware of.
Steroids
With that in mind, the first group are steroids.
Doctors try not to prescribe steroids where possible, as there are a number of common side effects including reduced bone mineral density, mental health difficulties, skin problems, difficulty sleeping, increased risk of infection….the list goes on.
Raised blood glucose is rather common also, but there are some simple tips to manage this. If diabetic, patients should pay close attention to their blood sugar readings as higher doses of diabetic medication may be needed. Attention to diet is important also, as certain foods may spike blood sugar in susceptible individuals.
Anti-psychotic medication
Anti-psychotic medication can cause weight gain and insulin resistance, particularly some of the older generation of drugs. If needed, newer drugs should be used, and an increase in weight should prompt a check for diabetes.
Thiazide diuretics
Thiazide diuretics are commonly prescribed for both high blood pressure and heart failure. They are really effective, and I prescribe them a lot myself. They can however raise cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar; and lower potassium. For that reason, patients taking these drugs should periodically have blood tests to check these parameters. Low potassium can often be managed with a high potassium diet, or simple supplements. Often patients taking these drugs have high cholesterol anyway and may be on a statin. As you know, I recommend all adults to know their cholesterol regardless.
Statins
Speaking of statins, they can raise blood sugar too, with an incidence of diabetes of around 10%. However, bear in mind 1 out of every 255 patients on a statin for 4 years will on average develop diabetes, compared to 39 people with heart disease needing treatment with a statin for 5 years to prevent a heart attack. This is a good example of being needing to be aware of the data, but also wary when interpreting it! The benefits far outweigh the risks of taking them, but any regular heart check should include an assessment for diabetes.
Beta-blockers
Lastly beta-blockers, one of the most commonly prescribed heart drugs used for heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmia and blood pressure can also increase blood glucose, and triglycerides. Older less heart specific drugs such as atenolol are more likely to cause this problem than newer versions. Once again, the benefits outweigh the risks, but it is something to think about particularly if a patient starts to put on excess weight after starting them.
I hope you found this useful and thought provoking. If you are on these medications, or know someone who is, do not stop them, just bear this information in mind and if you have any concerns speak with your doctor. I routinely prescribe these drugs, and they are very effective.