Beta-blockers and diabetes

[Belgian EMT/nurse]

I'm having an exam next week of cardiology and a possible question is why diabetes used to be a contra-indication for using Bèta-blockers. Are there medics or RN's that can help me? I think that was because of possible weight-gain, but I'm not sure..
Thanks allready

Grtz
Thom

 

[MasterIntubator]

They used to think that it may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, as well as help push those that were borderline over the edge to diabetes.

New studies seem to have debunked that.

Wieght gain may have been from the metabolic effects of betas.

 

[Belgian EMT/nurse]

They used to think that it may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, as well as help push those that were borderline over the edge to diabetes.

New studies seem to have debunked that.

Wieght gain may have been from the metabolic effects of betas.

Thanks!

grtz

 

[Aileana]

I remember reading that dextrose can be used for beta blocker overdose.

Beta blockers also inhibit glycogenolysis (can't remember how), which leads to hypoglycemia. Giving a drug that causes hypoglycemia to a patient that is already predisposed to it generally is not a good idea
Hope that helps!

 

[bonedog]

http://www.kup.at/kup/pdf/707.pdf

Check this article out.


I think the only problem one might worry about would be if you had to use glucagon in a diabetic pt on beta blockers, might not work as well....

 

[Belgian EMT/nurse]

All of you thanks for the info...
Great article, it sure helps!

grtz