title: Beta-blockers and glucose control.
abstract: Literature on the effects of beta-blockers on blood glucose is reviewed. Data are presented regarding the adrenergic influences on glucose regulation and the effects of beta-blockade during hypo- and hyperglycemia in normal and diabetic individuals. beta-adrenergic stimulation enhances insulin and glucagon secretion, as well as glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and lipolysis. alpha-adrenergic stimulation inhibits insulin secretion and may inhibit glucagon secretion and enhance liver glycogenolysis. In nondiabetics, beta-blockers represent minimal risk of affecting glucose control. In insulin-dependent diabetics, beta-blockers can prolong, enhance, or alter the symptoms of hypoglycemia, while hyperglycemia appears to be the major risk in noninsulin-dependent diabetics. beta-blockers can potentially increase blood glucose concentrations and antagonize the action of oral hypoglycemic drugs.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Horn
mesh_terms: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D001786:Blood Glucose