How do beta-blockers mask hypoglycemia?
Beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as a rapid heartbeat and tremor because they block the effects of norepinephrine, which results in a slowing of your heart rate and a reduced tremor. Hunger, irritability, and confusion may be concealed as well. However, sweating remains unmasked and it may be the only recognizable sign of hypoglycemia in people treated with beta-blockers.
People taking beta-blockers who have diabetes may no longer be able to rely on symptoms to tell them that their blood sugars are low. Instead, they should check their blood sugar levels frequently and eat consistently, especially if they’re prone to low blood sugar.
References
- Vue M, Setter S. Drug-Induced Glucose Alterations Part 1: Drug-Induced Hypoglycemia. Diabetes Spectrum Aug 2011, 24 (3) 171-177; DOI: 10.2337/diaspect.24.3.171
Read next
What is the safest diabetes medication?
Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Continue reading
What foods should I eat or avoid for hypoglycemia?
If you have diabetes, then you will know that certain foods can significantly affect your blood sugar levels. There is no one-size-fits-all meal plan for people with diabetes, but it can be confusing knowing what you can and can’t eat. Some examples of nutritionally high dinners suitable for people at risk of hypoglycemia include: soup, such as lentil and quinoa; grilled fish with broccoli, peas, and sweet potato; broccoli salad with artichokes, black beans, and sun-dried tomatoes; chicken vege stir fry with zucchini, carrots, and broccoli; and vegetarian lentil tacos. Continue reading
Can you have hypoglycemia without diabetes?
Yes, people without diabetes can have hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, but it is not very common. Hypoglycemia occurs most frequently in people with diabetes. Continue reading
See also:
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and to reduce heart risks ...
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and obstructive sleep ...
Trulicity
Trulicity is an injectable diabetes medicine that is used together with diet and exercise to ...
Lantus
Lantus is a long acting form of insulin used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Learn about side ...
Tresiba
Tresiba (insulin degludec) is used to treat diabetes mellitus. Includes Tresiba side effects ...
Victoza
Victoza helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people ...
Levemir
Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long acting insulin used to treat diabetes in adults and children ...
Related medical questions
- What is the connection between the endocrine system and osteoporosis?
- Which type of insulin has the longest duration of action?
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Zepbound Vs Mounjaro: Complete Comparison Guide for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro?
- What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
- How long does metformin take to work?
- Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of
- How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
- When is the best time to take metformin?
- How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
- What is A1C? Normal vs dangerous levels, and how to lower It
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
- Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
- Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
- Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
- Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
- How does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?
- Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?
- Is Mounjaro covered by insurance or Medicare?
- Can you buy Ozempic over the counter?
- Basaglar and Lantus - What is the difference between them?
- When should I take Lantus?
- Levemir vs Lantus: What's the difference?
- Does Lantus insulin need to be refrigerated?
Related support groups
- Diabetes, Type 2 (502 questions, 1,428 members)
- Diabetes, Type 1 (81 questions, 143 members)
- Hypoglycemia (39 questions, 63 members)