### Medications That Increase Potassium Levels and Their Impact on People with Diabetes Certain medications can increase potassium levels in your blood, which can be particularly concerning for people with diabetes. Here are some common types of medications that can cause this issue: 1. **Blood Pressure Medications**: Some blood pressure drugs, especially potassium-sparing diuretics, can cause your body to retain more potassium. This is more likely to happen if you have kidney damage, which is a common complication of diabetes. 2. **NSAIDs**: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen can also increase potassium levels, especially if taken long-term. These medications can damage your kidneys, making it harder for your body to remove excess potassium. 3. **Immune-Suppressing Drugs**: Medications like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, used to prevent organ rejection or treat autoimmune diseases, can also lead to higher potassium levels by damaging the kidneys. 4. **Certain Antibiotics**: Antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and pentamidine can increase potassium levels in some people. These are often used to treat serious infections like pneumonia in people with AIDS. 5. **Heparin**: This blood thinner can cause your body to retain more potassium, especially if you have kidney failure or diabetes. 6. **Herbal Supplements**: Some herbal remedies and muscle-building supplements contain high levels of potassium. If you have kidney damage or are taking other medications that increase potassium, these supplements can be dangerous. ### Symptoms and Risks High potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, can be dangerous and sometimes don't show any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats. If you have diabetes and are taking any of these medications, it's crucial to monitor your potassium levels and consult your doctor regularly. ### What to Do Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking. They can help you manage your potassium levels and may suggest alternative treatments that are safer for you. ### Conclusion Managing potassium levels is crucial for people with diabetes, especially if you are taking medications that can increase these levels. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare team can help you stay safe.