What Causes Increased Blood Sugar Levels After Using Albuterol Inhaler?

Posted on Mon, 14 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 6 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Thank you. I have type 2 diabetes well controlled with oral meds. I have recovering from acute viral bronchitis and using albuteral inhaler on the average of every 4-6 hous. My blood sugars have been spiking a little above 150-180 since I have been using the inhaler. Is this common?

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the inhalors raises the blood sugar.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I can understand your concern regarding to your mother's health.
Yes the inhalors can raise the blood sugar because they contain corticosteroids. So in these periods treatment modification is needed.
If one tablet is bot enough to keep the blood sugar levels within the normal ranges another medication should be added.
If you are overweight, Metformine should be given the largest dose (2500 mg per day) after each meal and a Dpp4 inhibitor such as Januvia may be added ( if no contraindications).
HbA1c level would help better in getting an idea of the mean glucose level of the last 3 months.
If over 7% than treatment modification is needed.
Hope the information will help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T