Type 2 Diabetes and Bisoprolol

[Geoff51]

My wife who is type 2 insulin diabetes who injects and tests twice daily has recently following a 24 hr heart monitoring investigation has had her Zemtard replaced with Bisoprolol. She has noticed a drop in her glucose readings when taking them since taking Bisoprolol. Has anyone else had this situation? the readings are still within safe readings and not low enough to cause a hypo, but it seems odd that the two happened at the same time.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

As a Type I diabetic, a PAD sufferer and someone who has had a quadruple bypass I tend to follow posts that mention diabetes with special interest.

You mention a reduction in her BG levels which is the opposite of what the majority report. A slight increase in BGs when starting Bisoprolol is usually associated with tiredness and subsequent reduced exercise levels as the body adjusts to the new medication.

Personally I found no issue with Bisoprolol. I was put on it immediately after my bypass and things were pretty haywire as I came off the (insulin) iding scale. Just keep an eye on things and maybe reduce the insulin dose very slightly if appropriate.

[ScribblyDibbly]

By coincidence, I too am diabetic on insulin, have just come off a calcium channel blocker and started Bisoprolol. I didn't find a significant change in blood glucose levels - though I'm on a very low dose - but the leaflet for Bisoprolol warns that it can mask awareness of hypos, so that's something to keep an eye on.

I find that there are all sorts of things that can affect my blood glucose levels, from exercise and diet to a change in the weather. And yes, medicines sometimes have an impact on blood glucose levels too.

Take care.