The Essential List of Drugs That Raise Blood Sugar Levels

Effective control of blood sugar forms the backbone of diabetes management. Diet control, regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management are the top ways to control blood sugar levels.

Sometimes, despite all measures, you may notice an increase in blood sugar levels, making you wonder why. It could be due to some medications that can contribute to increased blood sugar levels.

It does not mean you should avoid taking these essential medicines; rather, discuss with your doctor about the blood sugar surge. 

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8 Common Meds That May Affect Blood Sugar Levels

Long-term use of certain drugs can lead to a rise in blood sugar. Here is a list of drugs that raise blood sugar:

1. Corticosteroids for Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, etc

• Corticosteroids used to treat inflammation-related ailments like arthritis, asthma, and skin problems can raise blood glucose levels when injected or taken orally for long periods. 
• Increased insulin resistance and glucose production by the liver enhance blood sugar levels. As a result, steroid therapy must be properly managed. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have diabetes. 
• Discuss with your doctor about how to take steroids effectively and the precautions needed. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, without fail, when taking steroids. Follow up with your doctor on how and when to stop the steroid medicines. 

It’s best not to self-medicate.  

2. Anti-Anxiety Pills, like Antipsychotics

• Certain antipsychotic drugs, such as clozapine and olanzapine, on prolonged use can lead to high blood sugar levels. 
• The likely cause appears to be the tendency of these drugs to cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and reduced insulin production.

3. Drugs Used to Treat HIV/AIDS

• Drugs like Atazanavir, Indinavir, Zidovudine, Stavudine, etc., are commonly prescribed for viral infections like HIV/AIDS.
• Decreased insulin sensitivity and higher insulin resistance are the primary reasons for higher blood glucose levels. 

4. Immunosuppressants

• Drugs like Tacrolimus, cyclosporine, etc., often prescribed for chronic autoimmune conditions, may also lead to high blood sugar.
• Insulin resistance forms the primary mechanism of blood sugar increase.  

5. Thiazides (Diuretics)

These medications cause potassium loss, decreasing insulin secretion and increasing insulin action resistance.

6. Cholesterol (Lipid) Lowering Drugs: Statins and Niacin

• Statins may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in those who are prediabetic. These drugs make it harder for insulin to transfer blood sugar into the cells, increasing insulin resistance when used in higher doses and for longer. 
• Niacin is involved in altered glucose digestion in the liver, causing high blood sugar levels. 

7. Medicines for High Blood Pressure: Beta-blockers  

• Certain beta-blockers like metoprolol,  atenolol, and propranolol are recommended for irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia) and high blood pressure (hypertension). 
• Studies show that these drugs raise blood sugar in some people by suppressing pancreatic insulin production and sensitivity.

8. Certain Antibiotics for UTIs, Pneumonia, etc

• Can antibiotics raise blood sugar? A specific group of antibiotics, certain quinolones, which were previously used in treating UTI (urinary tract infections) or pneumonia, have been linked to variations in blood sugar levels, both increase and decrease. However, they are no longer used currently.

The Do’s and Don’ts

You may need to take these drugs for a specific health problem as recommended, but to avoid long-term impacts on blood sugars, you must do the following:

1. Medical history

Always give your physician a thorough drug history to help him understand and curate your medicine list. 

2. Regular Check-ups

• Always follow a physician-prescribed list of medicines; it’s important not to self-medicate. Also, remember to monitor blood sugar levels regularly. 
• The doctor will be able to identify any particular medication as a potential cause of increased blood sugar and suggest an alternative.

3. Self-care

• Lifestyle modification is the key; drugs like steroids, antipsychotics, etc., often lead to weight gain, making things worse for people with diabetes.  
• Routine blood sugar checks, diet regimens, exercise, and stress management become vital. 

FitterTake

Certain medicines may increase blood sugar levels as a side effect after prolonged use. What is important is to be aware of this possibility, never to self-medicate, and to tell the doctor the drug history properly.

Check if you have Prediabetes or Diabetes before starting medications and also if you are overweight or obese or have a family history of diabetes. 

Following a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, sleep, and stress management, can delay or prevent this increase in blood sugar levels.

This is where the diabetologists and dieticians on Fitterfly’s Diabetes Prime Programme can learn more about your current drug profile, weight, and blood sugar levels. 

You can speak with us by just giving us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will get back to you.

Together, let us make the journey towards healing from diabetes more healthy and enjoyable.

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