I Have Been Told That Beta-Blockers Increase My Risk Of Developing Diabetes. Is This True?

Dr. Lee answers the question: 'Beta-Blockers And Diabetes Risk?'

By
Joon Sup Lee, M.D., Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Clinical Director, UPMC Cardiovascular Institute
May 5, 2008, 3:34 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: I Have Been Told That Beta-Blockers Increase My Risk Of Developing Diabetes. Is This True?

Answer: The impact of beta blockers in the development of diabetes has been a controversial subject for quite a while now. However it's important to remember that the beneficial effect of beta blockers for cardiovascular patient and patients with high blood pressure are very profound. Beta blockers' ability to decrease the chance of a heart attack and stroke are well documented.

Given the impact of beta blockers and these illnesses, my suggestion would be that if your physician is recommending a beta blocker for these indications, its potential impact on development of diabetes is not significant enough to weigh on this decision.

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