Using beta blockers in diabetes

Abstract

Introduction. Cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus have a high incidence with repercussions affecting the patients’ quality of life. Beta blockers have an important role in treating those complications. However, their use may be Associated with some harmful effects. So, the goal of this paper is to find out possible ways of safe beta blockers’ use in treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods. In order to achieve this goal, there was performed a profound analysis of bibliographical and reference sources referring to beta blockers use in diabetes treatment. Discussion results. Diabetes mellitus ia a relative contraindication for beta blocker therapy, because it may block the glycogenolysis and tisular glucose mobilization, thus impairing the recovery from hypoglycemic crisis or hiding its symptoms, may reduce the insulin secretion and raise TAG, HDL, fasting glycemia levels, as well as glycozilated Hb and insulin resistence. Inhibiting β3 receptors they may cause a weight gain of 1-2 kgs. On the other hand, diabetes has multiple complications like arterial hypertension, ischemic heart diseases and cardiac insufficiency- those that are proved to be treated well by β1 receptors blocking. Thereby we may reconsider the use of beta blockers that can treat those complications without harmful side effects. Some clinical research prove that β1 blockers are way more efficient in cardiovascular problems than converting enzyme inhibitors in diabetic patients. Comparing β1 blockers, converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics in such cases shows almost the same efficiency rate.

Conclusion. Beta blockers, if chosen accurately may serve as an efficient way of treatment the diabates complications without jeopardizing patient’s health. The key moment is a selective β1- blocking, thus evading those side effects caused by β2 blocking.