Taking anti-inflammatory drugs if you have diabetes?

Question

Hello, I have spinal problems, severe arthrosis in the spine, spinal stenosis and herniated discs all known to my family doctor and I always have my medication with me just in case. On Sunday May 30th I started having spasms in my back and hips so I started taking TEVA-NAPROXEN 500mg, tylenol for arthritis (which I take quite a bit every day) and at night before going to bed PMS-CYCLOBENZAPRINE 10mg. I stopped taking the anti-inflammatory drugs on Saturday because I didn't think there was any difference, but I still take the tylenols and muscle relaxants because the pain is still there. I am a type 2 diabetic and my sugar has been high for a few days now even on days when I hardly eat any sugar. I take for my diabetes OZEMPIC (0.25-0.5MG/STYLO) 1.34mg/ml (0.25MG because I have trouble when I increase the dose) and also APO METFORMIN ER 1000MG. I know that taking anti inflammatory drugs because of my diabetes is not good for my kidneys, but I received my blood test results last week from my endochrinologist just before the pain came and everything was fine. Thank you so much!

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! Indeed, anti-inflammatory drugs have significant effects on blood pressure, renal circulation, and also on the risk of gastrointestinal irritation. However, some people with chronic pain need to use anti-inflammatories on a more regular basis. As long as your follow-ups are done regularly with your doctor, and your blood pressure stays below the targets (usually 130/80 mmHg in people with diabetes, but it also depends on what would have been agreed with your doctor). Stress and pain can also raise your blood sugar a bit, and it can vary a lot even with a low-sugar diet. I suggest that you continue to monitor your blood sugar levels at different times of the day (not always at the same time), and discuss them with your pharmacist if they remain high. We look forward to hearing from you! Tom Samaha, Pharmacist