Re: Lasix(Furosemide) and Blood Glucose

TC wrote:
Anyone know why Lasix may increase blood glucose levels? Also; what is its impact upon diabetic retinopathy?


Diuretics can be problematical for diabetics. There are two mechanisms by which diuretics in general increase BG. The first is simple dehydration. If you take the fluid volume in the body and reduce it by causing an increase in excretion of water, you effectively increase the concentration of the components in the fluid left behind.

Second, the diuretics have an impact on electrolyte levels, specifically sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). Diuretics work by changing the reuptake of the cations in the distal tubules (loop of Henele) in the kidneys, often causing either hyponatremia (low sodium) or hypokalemia (low potassium). This is why your doc should monitor your electrolyte levels via a CBC regularly. A low or boarderline K+ level can inhibit insulin secretion by the ß-cells, and worsen peripheral glucose tolerance. This is usually slightly more of a problem with loop diuretics, like Lasix, than with thiazide diuretics like HCTZ.


Any diuretic should, in general, have a positive impact on diabetic retinopathy, mainly by BP reduction.

HTH,

Jim
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