Does ibuprofen raise blood sugar
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Does Ibuprofen Raise Blood Sugar?
Ibuprofen and Blood Sugar Levels
Hypoglycemia Risk in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Individuals
Research indicates that ibuprofen is associated with hypoglycemia, particularly in diabetic patients. An analysis of international pharmacovigilance data revealed 125 cases of hypoglycemia linked to ibuprofen, with about half of these cases involving individuals with a history of diabetes. Notably, ibuprofen was the sole suspect in 36.8% of these cases and the only drug administered in 18.4% of them. Hypoglycemia symptoms resolved after discontinuing ibuprofen in 21.6% of the cases and recurred in three patients upon rechallenge. The median time-to-onset of hypoglycemia was one day following ibuprofen administration, and a significant decrease in blood glucose levels was observed at higher doses of ibuprofen compared to lower doses1.
Ibuprofen and Blood Pressure Control
While the primary focus of the study was on blood pressure, it is important to note that ibuprofen can interfere with the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ibuprofen was found to significantly increase blood pressure in patients treated with antihypertensive drugs. This increase in blood pressure could indirectly affect blood sugar levels, as hypertension and diabetes are often comorbid conditions2.
Conclusion
Current evidence suggests that ibuprofen is more likely to cause hypoglycemia rather than hyperglycemia, particularly in diabetic patients. There is no substantial evidence to support the claim that ibuprofen raises blood sugar levels. However, its impact on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients could have indirect effects on overall metabolic health. Further studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between ibuprofen and blood sugar levels.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Ibuprofen and risk of hypoglycemia in diabetic and non-diabetic consumers: analysis of international pharmacovigilance data
Ibuprofen may have a possible causal association with hypoglycemia in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, but further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.
Ibuprofen interferes with the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ibuprofen compared with acetaminophen.
Ibuprofen may interfere with the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs in patients with essential hypertension.
RCT
Highly CitedDrug interaction between chlorpropamide and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and phenylbutazone.
Phenylbutazone may reduce fasting blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, but ibuprofen does not show a significant reduction in blood sugar levels.
RCTDifferential blood pressure effects of ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib in patients with arthritis: the PRECISION-ABPM (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celecoxib Integrated Safety Versus Ibuprofen or Naproxen Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement) Trial
Celecoxib has a lower blood pressure-lowering effect than ibuprofen and naproxen, with a lower risk of developing hypertension in patients with arthritis.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedIbuprofen fails to increase plasma growth hormone levels in humans.
Ibuprofen does not increase plasma growth hormone levels in humans, suggesting a mechanism unrelated to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
RCTA randomized-controlled trial to assess the effect of ibuprofen on postpartum blood pressure in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Ibuprofen is an equally safe option as acetaminophen for postpartum blood pressure concerns in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia without severe features.
RCTEffect of ibuprofen vs acetaminophen on postpartum hypertension in preeclampsia with severe features: a double‐masked, randomized controlled trial
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen do not adversely affect postpartum blood pressure control in women with severe preeclampsia.
RCTRigorous JournalThe impact of ibuprofen on the efficacy of antihypertensive treatment with hydrochlorothiazide in elderly persons.
Ibuprofen (1600 mg per day) significantly increases systolic blood pressure in elderly hypertensive patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide, potentially negatively impacting hypertension control.
RCTIbuprofen and Postpartum Blood Pressure in Women With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Ibuprofen does not increase postpartum blood pressure in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and mild hypertension.
RCTRigorous JournalEnantioselective effects of experimental diabetes mellitus on the metabolism of ibuprofen.
Experimental diabetes mellitus increases hepatocyte exposure to ibuprofenyl-CoA, affecting the metabolism of both R- and S-ibuprofen.
Non-RCT
Animal Study