Ask an Expert: Hypertension
Question Archive
I’ve just started taking a ‘water pill’ (diuretic) to help lower my blood pressure. Is it true that these types of medications can increase my blood sugar levels? I’m concerned because diabetes runs in my family.
Dr. Lin's Response
Some people who take a diuretic may experience an increase in blood sugar levels. In general, the higher the dose of the diuretic, the more likely this increase in blood sugar level is to occur.
An increase in blood sugar level may occur in people with diabetes as well as those without diabetes while they are following treatment for high blood pressure with one or more diuretics. However, having diabetes does not mean you should not treat your high blood pressure. People with diabetes should certainly follow treatment with a diuretic if prescribed by their doctor. Why? Studies have shown that a low-dose diuretic treatment significantly decreases the risk of death and complications related to high blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.
One factor that appears to be associated with the increased blood sugar level is a decrease in potassium levels in the body. So, for someone who is taking a diuretic, it may be a good idea to have potassium levels checked. If they are low, your doctor can prescribe potassium supplements, which will help to reduce the chances of you having an increased amount of sugar in the blood.
If you have concerns about your blood sugar level, speak with your doctor. He or she may recommend testing your blood sugar level from time to time.
Click here to ask Dr. Lin a question about Hypertension
- Are certain groups of people more at risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) than others?
- Both my husband and I have high blood pressure. We’re worried about taking medication for long periods of time. What would happen if I stopped taking my medication?
- Can children get high blood pressure too? How is it diagnosed?
- Can drinking alcohol affect your blood pressure?
- Can I use herbal medications while I'm taking hypertension medications? Are there some that I should definitely stay away from?
- Can medication for hypertension interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain from arthritis and other similar conditions?
- How can I reduce my salt intake? Nothing tastes good without salt!
- How does high blood pressure affect the eyes? What are potential complications related to the eye and vision?
- How does salt affect blood pressure? I don't understand how eating less salt can help my blood pressure level.
- I am taking two pills to treat my high blood pressure. I also take a number of other pills for other medical problems. Is there a way that I can cut down on the number of pills I have to take each day?
- I currently take a medication to treat my high blood pressure plus I try to exercise regularly. I’d like to do everything I can to keep healthy so between visits to my doctor, I would like to monitor my own blood pressure. Is this a good idea?
- I exercise a lot and I take a diuretic to treat my hypertension. Should I be worried about possible dehydration because diuretics remove water from the body?
- I frequently get headaches. Someone told me that this can be caused by hypertension. Is this true?
- I know I'm supposed to take my blood pressure medication every day, but I often forget. What can I do?
- I often forget to take my medication for hypertension. What can I do to remind myself?
- I started taking one medication for blood pressure, but then my doctor added another one because she said my blood pressure wasn't being controlled. Now my blood pressure is fine. Is there any chance I'll be able to stop the other medication?
- I take a combination of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. I have allergies and need to know if my allergy medication will interact with my high blood pressure medication.
- I'm a smoker. What is the connection between smoking and hypertension?
- I’ve heard that exercise can lower your blood pressure. How well does it work? What types of exercise are best?
- If I'm taking Zestoretic, do I need to take potassium supplements or other supplements?
- Is it safe to take medication for hypertension while breast-feeding?
- Is it safe to take the birth control pill or other forms of hormonal birth control while taking medication for hypertension?
- My blood pressure is 130/85. Should I be taking medication?
- My blood pressure lowering medication causes many side effects. What can I do to reduce my side effects?
- My doctor just prescribed a combination pill with lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide. What can you tell me about this medication and its side effects?
- What is "white coat syndrome"?
- What is the best diet for someone with high blood pressure?
- What is the link between hypertension and the kidneys?
- When I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure, my doctor told me to eat a low-salt diet. Now that I’m on blood pressure medication, can I go back to my regular diet again?
- When is the best time of the day to monitor my blood pressure at home?
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