What are the effects of ingredients on diabetes?

There are various types of flu medication, each of them a mixture of different chemicals. Some of these assorted drug cocktails will almost certainly affect diabetic patients, and not for the better. Inactive agents in the medicine, such as food colouring or flavouring, contain sugars and alcohol that can affect the patient’s blood sugar. Active ingredients are the substances that treat the symptoms, and these can also harm anyone with diabetes.

One of the chemicals to avoid is Acetaminophen. This substance is used to treat aches and fevers, but it can harm the liver and kidneys, and this risk is higher in diabetics.

Ibuprofen also carries a similar risk, with the added complication of causing the blood sugar to fall drastically in diabetic patients who are taking insulin.

Decongestants such as epinephrine, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine are used to clear the nasal passages. They may also increase the blood sugar of diabetics, and raise their blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine, a decongestant, has been known to cause strokes.