Adrenergic Antagonists · Pharmacology

Why should beta-blockers be used with extreme caution in diabetic patients?

  1. They stimulate insulin release, causing hyperglycemia
  2. They interfere with the absorption of oral hypoglycemic agents
  3. They cause permanent damage to the pancreatic islets
  4. They can mask the tachycardic warning signs of hypoglycemia
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Correct answer: They can mask the tachycardic warning signs of hypoglycemia

Tachycardia is a key autonomic warning sign of low blood sugar. Beta-blockers prevent this heart rate increase and also inhibit beta-2 mediated glycogenolysis in the liver, which is the body's natural defense against falling glucose levels.

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