Control of blood sugar and beta blockers in the diabetic patient
Albert, J.; Ekoe, J.M.
La Semaine des Hopitaux Organe Fonde Par l'Association d'Enseignement Medical des Hopitaux de Paris 59(42): 2939-2943
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1777 PMID: 6140758 Document Number: 207377
30% of diabetics have arterial hypertension. 25% of patients with hypertension are diabetics. The rapid development of atherosclerosis is the main cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetics. Occasionally, prescription of a beta-blocking agent may seem rational in diabetics (hypertension, angina pectoris, etc.). But is such a medication acceptable considering the patient's fragile metabolic control? After a brief review of the pharmacology of the various beta-blocking agents, we discuss the choice of the best medication for the diabetic patient. Cardioselective beta-blockers seem to be best suited to diabetics. After insulin-induced hypoglycemia, rise in blood sugar level is less delayed and symptoms of hypoglycemia are less attenuated.