Q. I take hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and lisinopril to control high blood pressure. My doctor says I am pre-diabetic and encouraged me to consult a dietitian for advice on diet to prevent diabetes.
The nutritionist warned me that HCTZ could raise blood sugar levels. If that is true, I’d really prefer some natural approaches to control both blood pressure and blood sugar. I don’t want to take more medicine to treat a drug side effect. Any information you can provide will be appreciated.
A. The dietitian is correct that HCTZ can raise blood sugar. Don’t stop this blood pressure medicine on your own, though. Ask your doctor about another type of blood pressure medication. He has many other options he might prescribe.
With careful attention to your diet, you may be able to lower both your blood pressure and your blood sugar. We are sending you our brand-new book, Favorite Foods From the People’s Pharmacy. It has chapters describing scientific studies on using food to control blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, as well as a discussion of how to follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). The book is available online (www.peoplespharmacy.com).
