Patients who have been prescribed drugs such as Inderal, Metaprolol and Atenolol for hypertension can suffer from Diabetes according to a recent study conducted in UK at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. Blood sugar levels can go up by using these drugs, implying that those suffering from high blood pressure are at risk of developing Diabetes.

The study states that risk of Diabetes is high among hypertension patients due to the usage of beta blockers. Dr. Anoop Mishra, director as well as head ( Diabetes and metabolic disease) Fortis Hospitals says that these drugs can worsen sugar controls in those with Diabetes. He, of course, does admit that these drugs are useful for patients suffering from hypertension and Diabetes associated with heart disease. The new beta blockers may have an advantage over the previous generation drugs. Doctors have started restricting the usage of beta blockers among diabetics and high blood pressure patients.

Source TOI August 26th 2008