Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, fever, swelling and stiffness (sold as Motrin and Advil). The important ibuprofen and diabetes connection is that if this drug is combined with anti-diabetic drugs, it may cause dangerously low blood sugar, as well as liver or kidney damage, which people with diabetes are already susceptible to. PubMed Health, a publication of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, published a warning about ibuprofen [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000598/#] that also indicated an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and advised caution for those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Potentially fatal stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers may also result from using NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Diabetes patients in particular are advised to avoid this medication, and find an alternative pain relief treatment.
Diabetes, Ibuprofen and Serious Health Concerns
If treating pain with ibuprofen, diabetes patients should know that there are many possible side effects from this medication, some of which are similar to those caused by diabetes medicines. If you’re experiencing any of these, you should first stop using ibuprofen, to see if that’s the cause. These symptoms can include nervousness and dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or bloating. In both diabetes and ibuprofen drugs, there can be incidents of rashes or hives, fever, headache, water retention, difficulty in breathing, and flu-like symptoms. This is just a partial list of side effects from ibuprofen. Diabetes patients should also know that studies have found a link between ibuprofen use and an increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney disease [http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/14046942.php#NSAIDS]. A study from 1994, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found a connection between long term use of pain killers and the onset of End Stage Renal Disease [ESRD], also known as kidney failure. They concluded that “a cumulative dose of 5000 or more pills containing NSAIDs was also associated with increased odds of ESRD.” If a person takes just 3 pills a day, this number would be reached in five years.
Ibuprofen and Diabetes: What Are Your Options?
If you are worried about the combined effect of ibuprofen and diabetes and are looking for some other pain relief treatment, you should know that aspirin and Tylenol can be just as dangerous. However, there are natural alternatives to ibuprofen. For chronic arthritis, some have reported finding relief by taking glucosamine or chondroitin, which are available as supplements in pill, powder or liquid form. Also helpful, and widely known as an alternative to NSAID medications, is omega-3 fish oil. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory and reduce pain [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16531187]. Warm baths may also help to relieve pain. If you have arthritis, it is important to keep joints flexible with physical activity, but be careful of exercises such as running, which can damage the knees. Brisk walking is much safer, and will give you the same health benefits.
