betablockers and testing bg

[nawchem]

Now that I'm starting to accept that I'm glucose intolerant I decided to get serious about normalizing my blood sugar. Tonight I tested -wanted to see how my blood sugar was doing with the CAD reward meal. I have a bad valve in my heart and take a betablocker on a as needed basis. I always need it when I eat a fair amount of sugar in one sitting so I did take it.

5:45pm took 10mgs propranolol
6:30 used low control mean is 77, my reading 78, my bg reading 90
6:35-7:35 reward meal, tried worse case scenario 232carbs
7:30 high control mean 192, my reading 200
7:35 measured my bg 90
8:15 began feeling ill, flushed, heart racing, thirsty
8:35 measured bg 97

I have also noticed that I will be in ketosis using the ketostix and will not be in ketosis an hour after taking propranolol. Does it make the bg readings invalid?

[nawchem]

Also-when it says to test at 1 hr is that from the time you start eating or when you finish?

My new dr. only gave me a prescription for a long-lasting betablocker, it will be in my system for a full day instead of 4-6 hrs and I will have to be on it all the time, although it will be way over treating my heart symptoms. Isn't this a bad idea regarding insulin-resistance?

[Sherrielee]

In the drug interaction section of Dr B's book, it says that betablockers inhibit insulin secretion, but cardioselective blockers may not cause this effect. I think you are taking the generic for Inderal....right?

Here is a link that you might want to read and show your doctor. It states that you should not take this drug if you have Diabetes. I discontinued the use of this drug myself when I discovered I had BG problems. Now, I will have to get another blood pressure pill because my blood pressure is way too high. HTH

http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/inderal.html

[c6h6o3]

I have no medical training - I can only relate what I've found with my own situation, but:

Dr. Bernstein has placed beta blockers on his list of drugs which raise blood sugar. My doctor prescribed an ACE (angiotensin contributing enzyme) inhibitor for me to medicate my blood pressure rather than a beta blocker for this reason. Also, she says that ACE inhibitors are beneficial to the kidneys for people with chronic higher than normal blood sugars. I don't know why.
Perhaps this class of drugs would be a viable alternative to beta blockers for you.

Also, we found that thiazide diuretics (such as HCTZ), which were also prescribed for me, raise blood sugar as well. We switched to furosemide (Lasix) and this reduced my fasting reading an average of 15 mg/dl overnight! Food for thought.

[c6h6o3]

These drugs have proven extraordinarily effective. My blood pressure went from 150/100 to an average of 120/70.

[nawchem]

Sherilee, thank you for the link that was really good. I hope I can get Dr. B's book soon-I've been reading it off the net but it doesn't have the medication chapter. You guys have been a huge help on this site.

C6H6O3- that's great news lower blood sugar and blood pressure. :) I wish more diabetics had access to information like this. I have heard that some people with valve problems take calcium blockers instead of betablockers, I'll look into that.

I have a good friend in the early stages of diabetes, they have her eating 45g carbs at every meal. 25g for her 3 snacks. The weird thing is that she still eats bread, potatoes, dessert, whatever as long as it fits into her carb count- she sees a diabetic nutritionist. Yesterday she told me that her father was a diabetic and had to have both of his legs amputated.

[c6h6o3]

Why not pick up two copies and help save your friend's life? You'll save on shipping that way.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/102-8645548-0296111

[c6h6o3]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0316093440/qid=1051887035/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-8645548-0296111?v=glance&s=books

[c6h6o3]

Why not pick up two copies and help save your friend's life? You'll save on shipping that way.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/102-8645548-0296111

[doreen T]

This link should do it :)

Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0316093440/lowcarbcanad/)

Doreen