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What your doctor didn't tell you about beta-blockers for hypertension as a diabetic person

Beta-blockers are commonly prescribed medications for people with cardiovascular problems like coronary artery disease. A lot of people take them, and a lot of them get great results with it. But there's something that most people don't know about them, beta-blockers interact with diabetic peoples' bodies in a way that can REALLY complicate treatment plans. 

For example, beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia by reducing rapid heartbeats, tremors and anxiety. Although this seems good to someone with diabetes, it's actually worse. Without the typical warning signs of low blood sugar, patients may not be able to find a sugar source in time before they faint or get injured. 

Some non-selective beta-blockers also worsen diabetes, since they reduce insulin sensitivity, which obviously makes it way harder to manage blood glucose levels. Non-selective beta blockers also interfere with the metabolism of glucose, and worsen control over blood sugar. That's why selective beta-blockers are given to people with diabetes. It helps minimize those effects. 

Beta-blockers also impair the ability of the body to perform key functions like gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis (big words for simple things: the processes through which the liver produces and releases glucose in the bloodstream.) This makes hypoglycemia much worse and make managing diabetes way harder. 

For people who have to use beta-blockers regardless of the impacts that it has on their diabetic treatment plans, it's best to use a continuous glucose monitoring system to prevent sugar lows, and to use selective beta-blockers by asking their physician and clarifying with them about your medication. Regularly reviewing your health as a diabetic and hypertensive person can help reduce the risks of hypoglycemic shocks, and make your day an easier one. 

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