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Email a friendCan Water Pills Raise Blood Sugar Levels?
Newspaper Columns, Pharmacy Q&A May 14, 2008
Q. I am 43 years old and have had high blood pressure for 15 years. I have taken atenolol to control it until recently, when my doctor changed me to a water pill, hydrochlorothiazide.I had a fasting blood sugar test and it was high (150) for the first time ever. Could my new blood pressure pill be causing diabetes?
A. Diuretics like HCTZ (hydrochlorothiazide) can raise blood sugar and trigger diabetes in susceptible people. Such drugs may also raise uric acid levels and bring on a gout attack.
Atenolol is a controversial first-line treatment for high blood pressure because of questions about effectiveness. There are, however, many other options to control blood pressure.
We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment so you can discuss both drug and non-drug approaches with your physician.
Tags: Atenolol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Diuretics, Gout, Water Pills
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
I read your comments in the L.A. Times regarding low B-12 and acid reducers. I have a question: do over the counter drugs such as Tagamet, Tums, Rollaids, etc., have the same effect as the prescribed drugs listed.
Thanks for your reply.
Posted by: MFI | May 14, 2008 2:24 PM
Hello: I'm also taking hydro for high blood pressure. I'm 78 and pretty healthy and have been on the pill since 5/07. Because I come from a diabetic family, I always have my glucose checked with my high cholesterol. This month, for the first time, my glucose was 113; high for me!worrisome.
Angela M. R.
Posted by: Angela M. R. | May 16, 2008 4:27 PM
I take Tenoretic...generic equivalent...very similiar composition of components in it...I never had diabetes in the family...my blood sugar was high...my weight is high...260 lbs...did this drug contribute to this disease...?
Posted by: Dave S. | May 16, 2008 10:28 PM
I too was given Hydrochlocothiazize for swelling in my right foot about ten years ago. NO diabetes in my family but I am now. As of seven years. I control it with exercise and trying to eat better. Have been about 30-40lbs over all this time.
Posted by: Ruth Y. | May 19, 2008 7:45 PM
I have been taking Tenoretic for several years, and it seems to be workng for me. I am 80 yrs. old and this is the only prescription drug I take. I do not have swollen ankles or side effects. Having a check-up next week and, if I should be taken off this drug for any reason, I will inform this group - it may be helpful.
Posted by: B.C. | May 23, 2008 11:55 AM