Beta Blockers

Floss · #1 (**permalink**) 04-24-2006, 09:29 AM

Hi all

I understand that beta blockers (used to control hypertension) are recommended for people with diabetes. However, the info that comes with the meds, seems to suggest that they may 'hide' the symptoms of hypos.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

Cinnabon · #2 (**permalink**) 04-24-2006, 12:26 PM

Not at all. I take 10 mg of Lisinopril daily and this has not happened. Its good to know how it protects our organs.

bluesgirl102 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-24-2006, 01:49 PM

Cinnabon,

Linsinopril is not a beta blocker. It is an ACE inhibitor. I take the beta blocker Lopressor for my blood pressure and have had instances of hypoglycemic unawareness.

Floss · #4 (**permalink**) 04-25-2006, 02:52 AM

Yes I read an article that suggested either beta blockers or ACE inhibitors for people with diabetes. It said that ACE inhibitors have the added advantage of protecting the kidneys.

Peter Lee · #5 (**permalink**) 04-26-2006, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floss

Hi all

I understand that beta blockers (used to control hypertension) are recommended for people with diabetes. However, the info that comes with the meds, seems to suggest that they may 'hide' the symptoms of hypos.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

I take a beta blocker (Celiprolol) and it certainly doesn't stop me feeling a hypo.

Floss · #6 (**permalink**) 04-26-2006, 05:16 AM

Thanks Peter.

Do you mind me asking if you are taking any insulin? or just meds?

My hub is currently on just meds, but the possibility of insulin is looming, which made us think about the beta blockers masking hypo symptoms.

rzrbks · #7 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Peter Lee

I take a beta blocker (Celiprolol) and it certainly doesn't stop me feeling a hypo.

Anf JUST how does the hypo react to this, Huh? Outrage, humiliation? or does the hypo just smile and say "Thank you."

Cyborg · #8 (**permalink**) 04-27-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floss

Yes I read an article that suggested either beta blockers or ACE inhibitors for people with diabetes. It said that ACE inhibitors have the added advantage of protecting the kidneys.

I was taking an ACE inhibitor for awhile until I got the ACE Cough. Apparently, it is a fairly common side effect. My doc switched me to Cozaar, which is an Angiotensin-receptor blocker. This has the same ultimate end effect as the ACE inhibitors w/o the side effect of the ACE Cough. These type of medications are also recommended for diabetics and they also protect the kidneys and help to reduce hypertension. This type of medication does not mask hypos as far as I know and I've been taking it for a couple years now.

Peter Lee · #9 (**permalink**) 04-28-2006, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floss

Thanks Peter.

Do you mind me asking if you are taking any insulin? or just meds?

My hub is currently on just meds, but the possibility of insulin is looming, which made us think about the beta blockers masking hypo symptoms.

I am only on oral medication - they are listed at the bottom of the message.

Peter Lee · #10 (**permalink**) 04-28-2006, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzrbks

Anf JUST how does the hypo react to this, Huh? Outrage, humiliation? or does the hypo just smile and say "Thank you."

It takes offense, hits me in the stomach and tries to make me vomit.

Floss · #11 (**permalink**) 04-28-2006, 04:56 AM

Thanks guys

It sounds as though ACE or ARB inhibitors might be a viable alternative if needs be.

He's tried several different meds for hypertension and none of them seem to suit him, although the beta blockers are the best yet .....

Jazz · #12 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 02:03 PM

I had been taking Atenolol (a beta blocker) for approximately 23 years before being admitted to hospital in November 2005, where I was diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetic and put on insulin. The doctors at the hospital immediately changed me over to Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) because they said that beta blockers can mask the symptoms of a hypo and taking Lisinopril can play a role in protecting kidney function in the longterm.
Jazz

Brenda A · #13 (**permalink**) 05-11-2006, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floss

Hi all

I understand that beta blockers (used to control hypertension) are recommended for people with diabetes. However, the info that comes with the meds, seems to suggest that they may 'hide' the symptoms of hypos.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

Yes it can. I take Tenormin and have for 25 years. They sometimes let you get a little farther before you notice. I only notice when I start to sweat buckets!! The beta blockers hides the heart rhythm from me until I am at about 45 and then it starts thumping so hard it gets my attention. The sweating is my first alarm. I am use to it now and try to be tuned in on earlier warnings. They can also give some false readings, but your doctors is aware of those on test. My rhythm is so bad because of MVP I would not trade my tenormin for anything. If I miss 1 pill I start skipping and fluttering.

Tyler · #14 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floss

Hi all

I understand that beta blockers (used to control hypertension) are recommended for people with diabetes. However, the info that comes with the meds, seems to suggest that they may 'hide' the symptoms of hypos.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

Yes they will. They inhibit the sympathetic nervous system and ultimately the feelings of being low. Things like sweating, increased HR, etc.

Tyler · #15 (**permalink**) 05-30-2006, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Lee

I take a beta blocker (Celiprolol) and it certainly doesn't stop me feeling a hypo.

It may be a matter of degrees. I'd nearly guarantee you that if you upped your dosage it would be a different story.