Thiazide Use Causes Small Increases in Fasting Blood Glucose

Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics have been associated with small excess risk for diabetes in some studies. But what is their average effect on blood glucose levels? In this meta-analysis of 95 randomized, controlled trials that involved 77,000 participants (mean age, 58), researchers determined the amount of change in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels related to thiazide use.

Thiazides were compared with placebo, β-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, and other drugs, alone or in various combinations. Thiazides commonly were provided as monotherapy or as a component of dual therapy, especially with RAAS inhibitors. Mean follow-up was 35 weeks. Patients who received thiazides experie…