Ibuprofen Effects on Blood Sugar in Diabetics
- Ibuprofen may cause an adverse reaction in a diabetic taking oral medication to control his blood sugar, like Diabinase or Orinase. This can lead to unusually high or low blood sugar readings.
- Aside from the potential diabetes drug interactions mentioned above, Ibuprofen should not cause blood sugar levels to drop or spike noticeably.
- Taking Ibuprofen every once in awhile, even if you have diabetes, is generally considered safe. However, regular or prolonged use of Ibuprofen is where problems occur. Discuss diabetes-friendly alternatives with your doctor if you have an ongoing need for NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Multiple studies have linked the regular intake of Ibuprofen with increased chance of kidney failure. Since diabetes already increases your risk for kidney complications, Ibuprofen may worsen these odds.
- If you have high blood pressure--a common occurrence among diabetics--you should also be aware that Ibuprofen can negate the effects of many blood pressure medications, including many beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors.