22/9/2015
Despite guideline recommendations to use hydrochlorothiazide early on for blood pressure treatment, current use is limited due to the risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes later on. In fact, concerns about metabolic effects with diuretics are viable considering most studies show an increased risk of diabetes by 25% to 30% when used.
Hydrochlorothiazide or more commonly known as a diuretic and is used for treating hypertension.
Current use of hydrochlorothiazide is limited to low doses due to the known risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes in patients.
A recent study combined HCTZ with amiloride to neutralize potassium loss and therefore neutralize glucose changes in patients.
The combination of amiloride-HCTZ reduced systolic blood pressure by 17.4 mmHg and had neutral effects on glucose levels.
Future guidelines and practitioners may consider how to dose and better use these diuretics in hypertension patients while limiting the risk of diabetes.
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