What signs of hypoglycemia do beta blockers mask?

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Furthermore, β-blockers have the potential for masking symptoms of hypoglycemia. The catecholamine-mediated neurogenic hypoglycemic symptoms masked by this class of medications include tremor and palpitations. Hunger, tremor, irritability, and confusion may be concealed as well.



Similarly one may ask, do beta blockers cause hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is relatively uncommon, but it is described in patients with unstable diabetes and in children; beta-blocking drugs may cause hypoglycemia by inhibiting glycogenolysis. Myocardial conduction delays with decreased contractility typify the acute beta-blocker ingestion.

Furthermore, do beta blockers affect blood glucose levels? In insulin-dependent diabetics, beta-blockers can prolong, enhance, or alter the symptoms of hypoglycemia, while hyperglycemia appears to be the major risk in noninsulin-dependent diabetics. beta-blockers can potentially increase blood glucose concentrations and antagonize the action of oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Secondly, which medication group can mask the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Beta blockers can mask the warning signs of hypoglycaemia, and the non-selective drugs may impair the normal recovery reaction to hypoglycaemia.

Why do beta blockers cause hyperglycemia?

In people with diabetes, β-blockers such as propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol can result in consistently elevated fasting blood glucose levels. β-blockers are thought to contribute to the development of hyperglycemia by impairing the release of insulin from the pancreatic β-cell.

38 Related Question Answers Found

Why do salicylates cause hypoglycemia?

Salicylate-induced hypoglycemia is thought to be caused by several mechanisms: increasing insulin secretion in those with type 2 diabetes, increasing insulin sensitivity, displacing SUs from protein-binding sites, and inhibiting renal excretion.

Can metoprolol cause low blood sugar?

This medicine may cause changes in blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as a rapid pulse rate.

Why do beta blockers mask hypoglycemia?

Beta blockers
These medicines are designed to blunt the β-effect of adrenalin and related substances. As noted above, beta blockers will also prevent adrenalin from stimulating the liver to make glucose, and therefore may make the hypoglycemia more severe and/or more protracted.

Is Hypoglycemia a sign of diabetes?

In people without diabetes, hypoglycemia can result from the body producing too much insulin after a meal, causing blood sugar levels to drop. This is called reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia can be an early sign of diabetes.

Can blood pressure meds cause hypoglycemia?


Even when diabetes is managed very carefully, the medicines used to treat diabetes can result in drug-induced low blood sugar. Medicines that can cause drug-induced low blood sugar include: Beta-blockers (such as atenolol, or propanolol overdose) Cibenzoline and quinidine (heart arrhythmia drugs)

Do beta blockers cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia?

Beta Blockers are commonly prescribed as an add-on to other B/P meds for people with DM. Caution in DM since Beta Blockers can cause hyperglycemia and mask hypoglycemia induced tachycardia (but do not block hypoglycemia related dizziness and sweating). Monitor B/P, heart rate, lipids and glucose.

Which of the following are indicative of beta blocker abuse?

Beta-adrenergic antagonist (ie, beta-blocker) toxicity can produce clinical manifestations including bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and seizures (see the images below). The presentation may range from asymptomatic to shock.

What are the early signs of hypoglycemia?

Early signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include:
  • Shakiness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Sweating.
  • Hunger.
  • Irritability or moodiness.
  • Anxiety or nervousness.
  • Headache.

Does exercise reduce hypoglycemia?

Recent studies indicate that anaerobic forms of exercise (i.e., resistance exercise/weight lifting, sprints, and high-intensity intervals) can attenuate exercise-related declines in blood glucose both during and after exercise in young, healthy adults with type 1 diabetes.

What can cause blood sugar to drop?


Low blood sugar can happen in people with diabetes who take medications that increase insulin levels in the body. Taking too much medication, skipping meals, eating less than normal, or exercising more than usual can lead to low blood sugar for these individuals. Blood sugar is also known as glucose.

What can cause hypoglycemia in non diabetics?

Causes of hypoglycemia without diabetes
  • Drinking too much alcohol. When a person's blood sugar levels are low, the pancreas releases a hormone called glucagon.
  • Medication.
  • Anorexia.
  • Hepatitis.
  • Adrenal or pituitary gland disorders.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Pancreatic tumor.

What is dangerously low blood sugar?

You can get a condition called hypoglycemia when your blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dL. It can harm you and make you feel shaky, weak, hungry, or dizzy. But some people don't have any symptoms. If your blood sugar gets lower than 54 mg/dL, it's dangerous and you need treatment right away.

Can you skip insulin if you don't eat?

A skipped meal alters the balance between food intake and insulin production, and can cause your blood sugar levels to eventually drop. “For diabetic people dependent on insulin or blood sugar–lowering medication, skipping meals can be more dangerous because it can lead to low blood sugar,” says Pearson.

Which statin does not raise blood sugar?

The low-intensity statins—pravastatin, fluvastatin and lovastatin—had minimal effect on serum glucose.

What happens when blood sugar drops below 50?


Anytime your blood sugar drops below 50 mg/dL, you should act whether you have symptoms or not. If your blood sugar level drops very low (usually below 20 mg/dL), you may lose consciousness or have a seizure. If you have symptoms of severe low blood sugar, you need medical care immediately.

Can antibiotics cause low blood sugar?

A class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, used to treat illnesses like pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs), has been shown to cause both very low and high blood sugar, a study published in October 2013 in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases found.

How does alcohol cause hypoglycemia?

Alcohol consumption causes an increase in insulin secretion, which leads to low blood sugar (otherwise known as hypoglycaemia). This causes light headedness and fatigue, and is also responsible for a host of longer-term alcohol-related health problems.