Ibuprofen is a type of drug that is classified as a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that reduces hormones that cause inflammation and pain. People who are diabetic ibuprofen users need to be aware of the side effects of this drug, as many of the risks are especially dangerous for those with diabetes. These over-the-counter medications, sold under the brand names of Advil, Motrin, Midol, Nuprin and others, have well-researched risks that range from dementia and AD [http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/abstract/WNL.0b013e3181a18691v1] to kidney disease [http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046942.php#NSAIDS], high blood pressure and hypertension. The risk of kidney damage is especially important to those who are diabetic; ibuprofen may complicate existing kidney damage due to undetected high blood sugar levels. What’s of most concern is that doctors regularly tell their elderly patients to use NSAIDs to control chronic arthritis pain, and this could be causing added health risks.
Diabetes and Ibuprofen: The Risks to Your Health and New Guidelines
Besides possible kidney damage, other serious risks may include stomach bleeding or life-threatening conditions such as heart or circulation problems. There are many other possible side effects including upset stomach, constipation or diarrhea, headaches or dizziness, skin rash, blurry vision, fever or shortness of breath. Of special importance to diabetic ibuprofen users is that the medication may also cause low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes drugs such as Orinase and Diabinase. Low blood sugar symptoms include weakness, trembling and nausea, to more serious issues like confusion and blurred vision. If low blood sugar goes untreated, seizures or coma may result.
Diabetes and Ibuprofen Alternatives
So what does a diabetic ibuprofen user take instead, to relieve chronic pain? Tylenol also has been found to raise the risk of kidney failure and with less of a combined dosage over a lifetime. Aspirin, which is often prescribed as a daily therapy to lower the risk of a heart attack or stroke, has its own concerns. You shouldn’t take it if you have a bleeding disorder, stomach ulcers, asthma, or heart failure. A daily aspirin regime may cause gastrointestinal bleeding or an allergic reaction in some people, and possibly tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and hearing loss. Guidelines from the American Diabetes Association have recommended that women under 60 and men under 50 who are diabetic but do not have major risk factors for heart disease should not be on an aspirin regimen. It is best to avoid any kinds of painkillers for infrequent pain such as muscle aches. For chronic arthritis, alternative treatments (for diabetic ibuprofen users and people who currently take Tylenol or aspirin) that may provide relief are Glucosamine, an amino sugar, and large doses of omega-3 oils. Omega-3 oil can be found in fish, flax seeds, and walnuts, and both are available as dietary supplements.
