Painkillers & Low Blood Sugars

[Schmoukes]

Hi - I have sprained my pectoral muscle and am taking codeine and ibuprofen regularly. I have found my blood sugars dipping very low. I usually manage my T2 diabetes with a low carb diet and I’m eating normally so I’m wondering if it’s related to the painkillers. Anyone else found painkillers pushing their bg levels lower?

 

[EllieM]

Hi - I have sprained my pectoral muscle and am taking codeine and ibuprofen regularly. I have found my blood sugars dipping very low. I

How low is very low? I would expect pain and stress to normally push bgs up, so this is very interesting. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[jenfoolery]

Some opioids are known to have a risk of hypoglycemia - particularly tramadol. But codeine is still in that family so.... maybe?

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Ibuprofen's leaflet mentions a contraindication when taking medication for T2 which you're *not* on: "sulphonylureas (to treat type 2 diabetes) since the blood sugar levels can be affected", so that might indicate something could be going on. For me, NSAIDs like diclofenac and naproxen have caused relatively low dips and the odd hypo over the years, while on diet-only. So that's purely anecdotal and potentially useless, but still. Thought I'd mention it.

 

[Schmoukes]

How low is very low? I would expect pain and stress to normally push bgs up, so this is very interesting. Hope you feel better soon.

Yes, usually if I am unwell at all my bg levels go up. My sensor is showing me constantly below 4, dipping down to 3.

 

[Schmoukes]

Some opioids are known to have a risk of hypoglycemia - particularly tramadol. But codeine is still in that family so.... maybe?

I saw some posts on tramadol sending folks low. I might reduce the codeine to see if it helps. Thanks.

 

[Schmoukes]

Ibuprofen's leaflet mentions a contraindication when taking medication for T2 which you're *not* on: "sulphonylureas (to treat type 2 diabetes) since the blood sugar levels can be affected", so that might indicate something could be going on. For me, NSAIDs like diclofenac and naproxen have caused relatively low dips and the odd hypo over the years, while on diet-only. So that's purely anecdotal and potentially useless, but still. Thought I'd mention it.

Thank you - I was assuming it was the codeine but perhaps it’s the ibuprofen…