Living with Diabetes

Both vardenafil and avanafil are used to treat males with erectile dysfunction (ED).  Diabetes is not listed as a contraindication or precaution with the use of either of these medications; however, there are a significant amount of drug interactions. Make sure your physician is aware of all medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements you are currently taking to determine if one of these products is right for you.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are over the counter (OTC) pain relievers. When taken in the amount recommended on the OTC package, these products should not pose a problem in patients with diabetes. However, rare reports of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia have been noted with ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.   If you are using these products, we recommend that you monitor your blood glucose levels closely and notify your physician of any significant changes.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has information on how insulin pumps work, advantages and disadvantages and a consumer guide on currently available insulin pumps. The information can be found at the following link: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/insulin/insulin-pumps.html.

Albuterol causes hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) from stimulation of beta2-receptors, resulting in the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis) and the intracellular movement of potassium. These effects occur most commonly with the inhalation (via a nebulizer) of relatively large doses of albuterol (e.g., 5-10 mg). As always, make sure you are monitoring your blood glucose levels closely and alert your physician to any significant changes.

Victoza is an injectable prescription medicine that may improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes when used along with diet and exercise. Victoza is not a weight-loss product. Medical studies did show that most people taking the medication did lose weight; however, not all people lost weight.

Voglibose is not currently approved for use or marketed in the United States; therefore, we cannot comment on the use of this medication.

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) can be a side effect of many medications. It is best to check each product individually to determine if it can cause this adverse reaction. According to our references, Protonix (pantoprazole) and Carafate (sucralfate) do NOT list hyperglycemia as a side effect. The lansoprazole component of Prevpac (amoxicillin/ clarithromycin/ lansoprazole) does list hyperglycemia as an adverse effect. When adding a new medication to your current therapy, make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if it can affect your glucose levels.

We are assuming that you are referring to the over the counter products that contain a combination of sodium phosphate salts which are used as laxatives to treat constipation and, at higher doses, to evacuate the bowel prior to colonic radiologic exams or surgery. The product we looked up contains the following active ingredients: sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous. This medication does not list hyperglycemia as a side effect. If this is not the product you are referring to, please resubmit your question with the name of the product through our “ask the pharmacist” service at www.riteaid.com.

There is no over the counter treatment for pre-diabetes. Treatment for this condition usually consists of losing a modest amount of weight (by eating healthy) and starting a moderate exercise regimen (Make sure to consult with your physician before beginning any new fitness routine). People with pre-diabetes, are at a 50% increased risk for heart disease or stroke. With this in mind, your physician may choose to treat you for or counsel you about cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Yes, metoprolol can occasionally cause hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) in some patients. This is thought to be due to blockade of specific receptors in the pancreas, which would in turn inhibit insulin secretion. It is also important to remember that metoprolol can also prolong or enhance hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes and it can mask the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, palpitations, and tremors. Make sure your daughter is monitoring her blood glucose levels closely while taking this medication.

We could not locate information regarding the use of chromium picolinate for pre-diabetes. There is some evidence that shows that chromium could be possibly effective in people with diabetes; however, not all evidence is positive due to the small number of trials and inconsistent, small patient populations. Chromium may enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). We recommend checking with your physician before adding any supplement to your diet and if approved, monitor your glucose levels closely.

While there are no prenatal vitamins specifically made for patients with diabetes, prenatal vitamins can play a role in a healthy pregnancy.  Discuss your options with your physician to determine which product would be suitable for you. 

The term “aspirate” usually refers to drawing back on the syringe once it is in the skin to look for blood.  This is not a recommended practice when injecting insulin.  Some other sources define “aspirate” as withdrawing fluid by negative pressure or suction. In most cases, it is recommended to inject air into the insulin vial equal to the amount of insulin you intend to remove.  If your physician or the product directions have instructed you differently, please follow those instructions.

In general, it is recommended to test right before eating a meal and then 1-2 hours after starting the meal.  Since blood glucose In general, it is recommended to test right before eating a meal and then 1-2 hours after starting the meal.  Since blood glucose monitoring is individualized, consult with your physician to determine the frequency and timing of your blood glucose measurements.

According to our references, the medications acarbose and miglitol do not enhance insulin secretion when used alone will not result in hypoglycemia. In addition, metformin rarely causes hypoglycemia because it does not significantly change insulin concentration.  If you have a specific product you are referring to, please resubmit your question to our “ask the pharmacist” service at www.riteaid.com with the name of the product and we can check on the adverse reaction of hypoglycemia for you.