Beta-blocker overdose commonly causes which effect on blood sugar?

Beta-blocker overdose commonly causes which effect on blood sugar?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. No change in glucose

Answer: (C)

Beta-adrenergic signals help raise blood glucose during fasting or stress by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen and make new glucose. In an overdose of beta-blockers, this stimulatory drive is blocked, so hepatic glucose production drops. Without enough glucose being released from the liver, blood sugar tends to fall, especially in people who are fasting, malnourished, or taking glucose-lowering medications. This is why hypoglycemia is the expected effect.

Beta-adrenergic signals help raise blood glucose during fasting or stress by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen and make new glucose. In an overdose of beta-blockers, this stimulatory drive is blocked, so hepatic glucose production drops. Without enough glucose being released from the liver, blood sugar tends to fall, especially in people who are fasting, malnourished, or taking glucose-lowering medications. This is why hypoglycemia is the expected effect.