Potassium Loss From Blood Pressure Drugs May Explain Higher Risk Of Adult Diabetes, Johns Hopkins University Study

ScienceDaily (Dec. 1, 2008) — Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that a drop in blood potassium levels caused by diuretics commonly prescribed for high blood pressure could be the reason why people on those drugs are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The drugs helpfully accelerate loss of fluids, but also deplete important chemicals, including potassium, so that those who take them are generally advised to eat bananas and other potassium-rich foods to counteract the effect.