Question
Is this increase in blood glucose an indication of diabetes?
17 January 2008. Related: All topics, Other tests, Side effects.
My last results showed an increase in blood glucose to 8.6mmol/L.
Could this be another side effect of my meds… reyataz, boosted by norvir, kivexa all taken once daily. l did a few tests at home blood sugar was ranging between 5.1-6.7mmols.
Is this a sign of pending diabetes mellitus. There is a history of diabetes in my family – ie my mum was diagnosed at 39 and l am 35.
Answer
Hi
Thanks for your question.
The ‘normal’ range for blood glucose is between 4 and 7 mmol/L so your home readings put you at normal. The hospital reading may be more accurate, or may be higher because you had blood taken shortly after you had eaten. Was this a fasted test?
From this, iit is difficult to say whether this is a real increase or not, and whether ithe relatively small increase is important, without a confirmatory test. You are right to talk to your doctor about this, especially with your family history, so it can be monitored more closely.
Protease inhibitors can affect glucose levels through the way your body processes sugar. Ritonavir is know to cause this but when used in a low dose with atazanavir the risk may be lower than with some other boosted PIs.
A recent study suggested that some nukes may also affect glucose metabolism.
If you have sypmtoms of lypodystrophy, this may increase the likelihood that treatment will affect you blood glucose levels. Early signs of diabetes can often be controlled by weight loss if overweight, diet and, when appropriate, exercise.
The information from the side effect guide at this link may also be useful.
As it is, you may or may not, have slight changes, but you are right to want more information, and should talk to your doctor about your worries at your next regular appointment.
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